Latest news with #NHS111Wales
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning Significant pressure across the health care system is having an impact on waiting times at Wales' largest hospital The hospital are facing an increased amount of patients (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) A busy Welsh hospital has asked the public to only attend the hospital's emergency unit if it is an emergency as they experience a high number of patients. The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board put a public plea out as the University Hospital of Wales remains very busy, resulting in longer waiting times for treatments. The pressure on the health care system across Wales has resulted in a high number of patients within the hospital as well as fewer people being discharged at the normal rate. The health board has asked the people of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to check their symptoms via the NHS 111 website if they are unsure of them as the emergency unit sustains significant pressure. A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "We are currently experiencing significant pressure across our healthcare system which is having an impact on waiting times in the Emergency Unit and patient flow through the hospital. "This pressure has been driven by a combination of factors, including a high number of people requiring hospital admission via ambulance and a lower-than-normal amount of people being discharged from hospital. Article continues below "We are working closely with colleagues and Health Board partners to ensure we can continue to provide safe and effective care to those who need us most. "We would continue to urge the public to think about the alternatives to the Emergency Unit if your condition does not require emergency care, including NHS 111 Wales and local Primary Care services. "The NHS 111 Wales website has a wealth of information on different health conditions, and a symptom checker to help patients make informed decisions. "You can also call 111 to access Barry Minor Injuries Unit, urgent care and Out-of-Hours. "Your Primary Care team in the community could also support. Each member of the primary care team has skills and expertise in different areas, enabling you to get the right support, from the right healthcare professional, first time. "Thank you for your patience and cooperation at this time." Article continues below
Leader Live
22-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Welsh Ambulance Service issues bank holiday 999 call warning
Bank holidays are traditionally busy for the service, with 1,197 emergency calls and 3,305 urgent but non-life-threatening calls to NHS 111 Wales made last year. This marked a three per cent rise in 999 calls and a staggering 70 per cent increase in NHS 111 Wales calls compared to the previous week. Sonia Thompson, the trust's assistant director of operations, said: "As we approach the second bank holiday of the month, it's important to prioritise safety for ourselves and our loved ones. "The three-day weekends often bring about increased activities and gatherings, particularly when the weather is good, so here are some valuable tips to make your bank holiday weekend both fun and safe." The trust advises stocking up on prescription medications before the weekend, consuming alcohol in moderation, pre-arranging transport home, and ensuring a fully stocked first aid kit is at hand. They also suggest looking out for vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours, and using the NHS 111 Wales website for healthcare advice if unsure about an illness or injury. The trust also asks the public to treat emergency workers with respect. READ MORE: Popular Wrexham Feast set to return to city centre this weekend Ms Thompson added: "At a time where many people will be enjoying the long weekend, please consider those who are working hard to keep people safe and treat our ambulance workers with the respect they deserve. "Our crews are doing their best to help you, so please do not make their jobs harder than they already are by subjecting them to any kind of abusive behaviour. "Remember that 999 is for emergencies only, so if it's not an emergency but you need healthcare advice you can trust, the NHS 111 Wales website should be your first port of call for advice, information, and next steps." The public is reminded that GP surgeries will be closed over the three-day weekend.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Number of Brits ‘horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital
'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month,' one mum said FARM ALERT Number of Brits 'horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital THE number of people who have fallen sick with an animal-borne bug after visiting a petting farm in Wales has risen to 81, officials have confirmed. Sixteen people have been rushed to hospital - the same as before - after visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan. At least one of these is a four-year-old boy. Advertisement 6 At least 81 people have fallen ill with an animal parasite after visiting a farm Credit: Facebook @Cowbridge Farm / Car Boot Sale 6 Alba Dobbinson was one of the youngest who tested positive for the diarrhoea bug Credit: WNS All tested positive for cryptosporidium, also called 'crypto' - a highly contagious parasite that causes diarrhoea and spreads easily between humans and animals. Among the youngest who became ill was little Alba Dobbinson. The eight-year-old was hit with nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mum, Vici, on April 17. Photos show the little girl cuddling the animals and close contact with infected livestock is one of the main ways the bug spreads. Advertisement Vici said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it. 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." She added: "She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' Meanwhile, Gareth Carpenter said he had never seen his son Michael so unwell after he was hospitalised, suspected of catching the parasite at the farm. Advertisement "He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before," he told WalesOnline. "We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps," he added. How to ease diarrhoea The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission," Beverley Griggs, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said. Advertisement All cases have been linked to visits to the farm between March and April 2025. Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and inform them of the visit. Advertisement 'We advise anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or nausea to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales," Beverley added. 6 The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak Credit: WNS 6 Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales Credit: WNS 6 The highly contagious parasite spreads easily between humans and animals Credit: WNS Advertisement The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection according to the NHS include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea Vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Dehydration Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after infection and can last for around two weeks once they appear. Sometimes the illness may seem to improve as symptoms ease, but they can return before full recovery. Beverley said: "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems. Advertisement 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person." Due to the bug's highly infectious nature people with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are told to stay off work or school until they have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Touching infected poo and then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth is a common way of catching cryptosporidios. This is because the bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. Advertisement "Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread," Beverley added. 6 Crypto lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo Credit: Alamy Previous outbreaks Just last month health chiefs issued a warning to families planning to visit farms this spring, as a rise in temperatures could also see an increase in "harmful" pathogens. Petting zoos in particular can expose visitors to gastrointestinal infections, they said. Advertisement Last year the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits. In May 2024, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply. Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'. Advertisement And just one month earlier, dozens of parents and children fell seriously ill, and some were hospitalised, after visiting Gannow Farm in Worcestershire.
North Wales Live
15-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
UK-wide warning as infection linked to petting farm hits 81 people
An outbreak of a parasitic infection linked to public animal feeding sessions at a popular farm in South Wales has now affected 81 people, with health officials urging the public to take hygiene precautions when visiting farms. Seven new cases of cryptosporidium have been confirmed since last week, all linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, during March and April. The infection has led to 16 people requiring hospital care for at least one night. Officials from Public Health Wales and other agencies met on Wednesday for the fourth time since the outbreak began to co-ordinate the response. The farm stopped all public feeding sessions involving animals, including calves and lambs, on April 29 and continues to co-operate with the investigation. Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness and is commonly associated with contact with farm animals. It can spread easily from person to person and poses increased risk to young children and those with weakened immune systems. Beverley Griggs, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission. 'Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment, but it can be more serious for vulnerable people. We advise anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or nausea to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales.' Symptoms typically appear two to 10 days after exposure and can last up to two weeks. Public Health Wales warned that infection can still spread after symptoms subside and has urged those affected not to go swimming for two weeks. Visitors are being reminded to avoid close contact with animals, supervise children closely, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching animals or walking around a farm. Alcohol hand gels do not provide sufficient protection. Pregnant women are also being advised to steer clear of newborn lambs during lambing season due to a higher risk of infection.
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Cryptosporidium outbreak at Cowbridge farm reaches 81 cases
Seven new cases of cryptosporidium have been confirmed since last week, all linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, during March and April. The infection has led to 16 people requiring hospital care for at least one night. Officials from Public Health Wales and other agencies met on Wednesday for the fourth time since the outbreak began to co-ordinate the response. The farm stopped all public feeding sessions involving animals, including calves and lambs, on April 29 and continues to co-operate with the investigation. Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness and is commonly associated with contact with farm animals. It can spread easily from person to person and poses increased risk to young children and those with weakened immune systems. Beverley Griggs, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission. 'Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment, but it can be more serious for vulnerable people. 'We advise anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or nausea to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales.' Symptoms typically appear two to 10 days after exposure and can last up to two weeks. Public Health Wales warned that infection can still spread after symptoms subside and has urged those affected not to go swimming for two weeks. Visitors are being reminded to avoid close contact with animals, supervise children closely, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching animals or walking around a farm. Alcohol hand gels do not provide sufficient protection. Pregnant women are also being advised to steer clear of newborn lambs during lambing season due to a higher risk of infection. Further updates and guidance are available on the website.
