Latest news with #HealthBoard
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Are local vaccination rates falling and what does it mean?
Measles remains one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases, capable of causing pneumonia, brain inflammation and even death. When vaccination rates drop, the risk spreads quickly, not only to the unvaccinated but to vulnerable individuals who rely on herd immunity for protection. To make it easier for residents to get vaccinated, the Health Board has opened a dedicated Vaccination Centre in Cwmbran. Located at 19 – 25 The Parade in the shopping centre, the facility is open Monday to Saturday from 9:15am to 4:30pm. It offers walk-in access to a wide range of vaccines for people of all ages. No appointment is needed if you are eligible, though anyone with a pre-booked slot at a GP or pharmacy is asked to keep their existing arrangements. For details about specific vaccine availability or to check your vaccination status, you can call 0300 303 1373 during office hours. The centre supports a wider network of community clinics and school catch-up sessions running across Gwent. Teenagers and children who missed scheduled immunisations during the academic year can catch up through these clinics. MMR is one of the key vaccines being prioritised, especially for children over four who have not yet received their second dose. The Health Board's aim is to build a healthier Gwent by making vaccination simple, convenient and widely available. 'We are a chubby community', locals respond after famous 'gymfluencer' slams town Cafe owner praises customers for supporting her recovery after heart attack Community dementia support: 'No need to reinvent the wheel' health chiefs told This renewed effort comes as national coverage continues to fall. In 2016, MMR uptake in the UK reached the recommended 95 percent. Today, it has fallen to around 83.9 percent, with just 73 percent of children in Gwent fully vaccinated by age five. These figures are well below the level needed to maintain herd immunity, and the consequences are already being felt. A child was recently treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital with measles complications and sadly died. Seventeen other children were also admitted with serious illness. The child's vaccination status has not been released, but their death is a painful reminder of what can happen when protection is lost. Andrew Wakefield's 1998 study claiming a link between MMR and autism has been fully discredited. His research was based on manipulated data and withdrawn. Multiple large-scale studies have since confirmed no link between the vaccine and autism. Despite this, misinformation still circulates and contributes to hesitation. It is critical to rely on accurate science and public health guidance to make informed decisions. Roald Dahl's own experience reflects the reality of measles before the vaccine was available. His daughter Olivia died from the disease in 1962 at the age of seven. In a public letter years later, he wrote: "Then one morning, when she was well on the road to recovery, I was sitting on her bed showing her how to fashion little animals out of coloured pipe-cleaners, and when it came to her turn to make one herself, I noticed that her fingers and her mind were not working together and she couldn't do anything. 'Are you feeling all right?' I asked her. 'I feel all sleepy,' she said. In an hour, she was unconscious. In twelve hours she was dead." ABUHB's message is: measles is real, herd immunity is real and vaccinations keep all safe. The numbers are clear and real, and the risks are too great to ignore. Vaccination is not only a personal decision, it is an act of care for the community. In Gwent, the support and services are already in place. Now is the time to use them.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
'Repeated failures in the quality of care' revealed in review of Swansea's maternity services
An independent review has found 'repeated failures in the quality of care' within Swansea Bay University Health Board's Maternity and Neonatal Services The final report, published today, also reveals that whilst many report a positive experience of pregnancy and birth, "some women have, and continue to have a considerably poor or traumatic experience". The Health Board's Maternity and Neonatal services have been the subject of scrutiny since at least 2019 and in the last five years there have been a number of internal and external reviews. The independent review was commissioned in 2023 after the Health Inspectorate for Wales highlighted a range of significant concerns about maternity and childbirth within the health board. ITV Wales has reported extensively on the experiences of families who have used the maternity unit at Swansea's Singleton Hospital, including the Channons. Their son Gethin was born with severe brain damage after complications during his birth in 2019. 'I was left without pain relief for eight hours after having a caesarean' 'An outlier' The report cites data into child deaths, calling the health board an 'outlier' in stillbirth rate and neonatal mortality rates for three consecutive years between 2019 and 2021 and then again in 2023. Between 2018 and 2023, SBUHB reported 90 stillbirths and 45 neonatal deaths (babies who died within 28 days of birth) out of nearly 17,000 deliveries. Staffing and governance were highlighted in the report. Low and inconsistent staffing levels were found between 2021 and 2024, with a loss of experienced staff after the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst 'significant weaknesses' in governance led to a "lack of challenge and scrutiny" and "poor visibility of issues", including a lack of compassion after women gave birth. The complaints handling at SBUHB has been branded as historically poor and incidents investigation 'light touch'. The review also highlighted a need for improvements in medical equipment, the level of mixed skill staff and the delays with pain medication. It also discussed how more work is needed to ensure consistent person-centred care is provided, particularly in relation to delayed induction. It found a lack of neonatal radiology expertise and mental health care, as well as breastfeeding support. The review's authors also found too much reliance of midwives to care for premature babies and a failure in communication to support those for whom English is not their preferred language. The review did find some evidence of improvements, with staffing levels improving since 2024 and a reduction in perinatal mortality since 2023. The Chair of the Review, Dr. Denise Chaffer, said whilst improvements have been made in the past few years, significant work still needs to be done. She said: "We have highlighted repeated failures in the quality of care and governance at the Health Board and, whilst there are several changes that the Health Board has put in place during the last year, there remain further actions to be urgently progressed." "There is still much to be done to improve maternity and neonatal services, and this report serves as a call to action for the Health Board to do more to rapidly improve the experiences of those who use these services." Chief Executive of Llais Cymru, Alyson Thomas said, "While some progress has been made, the real test now is whether families can see and feel the difference in their maternity services. Confidence must be rebuilt, and that means turning these findings into visible action fast." Following the issues raised in the report, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles has escalated Swansea Bay University Health Board Maternity and Neonatal Services to the second highest level of intervention. "I want to offer a full and unreserved apology on behalf of the Welsh Government to all the women and families who have not received the service or care they deserved and expected from Swansea Bay University Health Board. 'The experiences highlighted today; those reflected in the recent Llais report and those I heard when I met families last month must never happen again." He added, "NHS maternity and neonatal services must learn from what has happened in Swansea Bay. Together, we must commit to delivering the best possible experiences and outcomes for all women during pregnancy and birth. 'All women and babies must receive good-quality, safe and compassionate care. Their voices must be heard during pregnancy and birth and they must be included in plans to improve services improvement.' He has also announced a national assessment of all maternity and neonatal services in Wales will begin this month.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-06-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Pembrokeshire poultry
New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales. The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise. The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies. The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes. Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region. To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership. Dr Kloer said: 'The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas. 'I'm delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.' Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added: 'I'm very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations. 'For more than 150 years, our University's teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this. 'As Wales's first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.' The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer. Dr Leighton Phillips said: 'This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter. 'We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales. 'These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.' Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.
Pembrokeshire Herald
25-06-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Plaid Cymru: Wales lagging behind on vital HPV home test kits
New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales. The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise. The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies. The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes. Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region. To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership. Dr Kloer said: 'The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas. 'I'm delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.' Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added: 'I'm very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations. 'For more than 150 years, our University's teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this. 'As Wales's first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.' The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer. Dr Leighton Phillips said: 'This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter. 'We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales. 'These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.' Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.
Powys County Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Delay Llanidloes hospital decision, Powys Health Board told
Calls have been made to Powys Teaching Health Board to delay the imminent decision on the potential permanent "downgrade" of Llanidloes Hospital. People living in town and surrounding area feel there has been a "consistent failure" to involve them in important decisions that could affect the town's hospital. Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS has shared her "deep and urgent concerns" with Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) about the future of healthcare provision in Llanidloes. She has called for PTHB's decision to be delayed until "meaningful" community engagement can be demonstrated with residents in the Llanidloes area. Ms Dodds says adopting the recent changes permanently would have a "profoundly detrimental" impact on Powys residents who heavily rely on the hospital's services. " Llanidloes Hospital holds significant value for the people of the town and surrounding areas, both practically and symbolically," the party leader told PTHB. "There are serious concerns about the lack of transparency and democratic engagement demonstrated by the Health Board throughout this process. "Many residents feel that there has been a consistent failure to adequately consult or involve the community in decisions that directly affect their healthcare provision. "The future of Llanidloes Hospital, and the wellbeing of those who depend on it, must not be determined without the meaningful input of the community it serves. "In light of this, I respectfully request that you delay your imminent decision on the potential permanent downgrade of the hospital, until you can demonstrate meaningful community engagement with the residents of the Llanidloes area. "Furthermore, I am calling for a reversal of the downgrade, and in particular a restoration of the ability of local GPs to admit local patients to the Hospital." Llanidloes county councillor and prospective Senedd member Glyn Preston also joined his party leader's criticism of PTHB's approach to engaging with the community following the temporary downgrade to the hospital's services last year. 'The Health Board promised a full and proper consultation with the local community during this trial period of the hospital being used as a 'Ready-to-go-home-unit',' Cllr Preston said. 'Despite that, there has been no meaningful in person consultation with Llanidloes residents, and the Health Board seemed poised to rubber-stamp the downgrade for good at their board meeting next month.' "Earlier this year we asked people and partner organisations across the county to share their views on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for health services. We are grateful to hundreds of people who shared their views. 'Building on the what we heard this spring, the next stage of this work is now under way. This asks for ideas about how adult physical and mental health community services should be delivered in future. "There are lots of ways to get involved including by visiting our engagement website, popping in to your local library where printed information packs are available, or contacting us by phone, email or post to request a copy of our discussion document. 'The focus of our Better Together conversation during 2025 is on adult physical and mental health community services. After this, we will focus on planned care (such as routine outpatients, surgical day cases and investigations which help to identify a health condition or disease) followed by services which support children, families and women's health.
