Cancer centre’s pioneering research boosted with six-figure investment

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, or SWWCC, at Singleton Hospital has a proud track record of taking part in innovative trials which have been game-changers in terms of treatments.

Now it has been awarded a share of the £300 million investment from the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth.

Known as VPAG, this is an agreement between the four UK nations and the pharmaceutical industry, expanding the UK’s capacity and capability to support commercial clinical trial delivery.  

The SWWCC, which treats patients from the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda health board areas, has been awarded £466,156.

The centre undertakes non-commercial and commercial studies, with a dedicated clinical trials suite next to its Chemotherapy Day Unit, or CDU.

One of the many trials it has been involved with was Checkmate 067, a global study which has transformed the management of metastatic melanoma – skin cancer that has spread. 

It was undertaken at 137 centres worldwide, with Swansea the fifth highest recruiter.

However, the size of the clinical trial pharmacy team, which supports all trials, not just those involving cancer, did not expand to keep up with the significant increase in the number of trials.

A pharmacist vacancy within the team significantly impacted oncology trial capacity at the cancer centre.

However, VPAG funding presented an opportunity to stabilise and grow the pharmacy clinical trials team, safeguarding current studies and unlocking future commercial trial delivery.

So, discussions to develop an application were held with health board Associate Medical Director for R&D, Prof Steve Bain (pictured), the R&D team and Dr Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value in Hywel Dda University Health Board

.

Dr Sarah Gwynne, consultant clinical oncologist and SWWCC research lead, then led the successful investment application on behalf of the cancer centre.

The investment will pay for a new principal pharmacist to support all trials taking place in Singleton and the neighbouring Joint Research Facility run by Swansea Bay UHB and Swansea University.

It includes strategic oversight for ensuring long term capacity to deliver increasingly complex clinical trials. The new post will sit within the R&D department and will be part of the R&D Senior Management Team.

It will also pay for a dedicated pharmacy technician, with both roles seen as essential to supporting future activity and growth.

Additionally, the funding will provide for medical leadership, to help identify potential trials and provide support to the teams in getting them set up, as well as the appointment of a part-time nurse.

The latter will act as a liaison between research nurses and chemotherapy nurses, and to support delivery of trial treatments in the CDU.

Professor Bain said: “This is an excellent use of the VPAG monies and exactly what  UK Government and the pharmaceutical companies which fund the scheme envisaged – bottlenecks in R&D activity being addressed with targeted funding, rapidly delivered.

“I hope and envisage that many such focussed initiatives will follow across Wales.”

Swansea Bay is part of the Commercial Research Delivery Wales infrastructure.

National Director of Support and Delivery, Dr Nicola Williams said:

“Research is integral to improving patient care and outcomes.

“This focus from UK Government shows the impact research has, not only on patients, but the NHS and our economy.

“This significant investment will enhance our capacity to conduct commercial clinical research and also ensure that Wales remains at the forefront of medical innovation. 

“We look forward to working together with NHS organisations as they continue to deliver truly life-changing research on our doorstep.”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

#HywelDda #SouthWalesCancerCentre #SwanseaBayNHS

Swansea burns experts warn: don’t breathe in steam to treat colds or flu

“No proven benefit, but real risk of burns”

Consultant surgeon Jeremy Yarrow said the practice of leaning over bowls of hot water to inhale steam is dangerous and ineffective.

“Although inhaling steam is sometimes thought to be useful as a remedy for common colds and chest infections, evidence of the effectiveness is weak and theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages or slows the replication of viruses are just unproven,” he explained.

He added that every winter, the burns centre treats children and adults with injuries from spilled boiling water — often affecting the face, chest, abdomen and legs. Some cases require surgery or skin grafts, and children are particularly vulnerable.

“The injuries I see can often involve burns around the thighs, lower abdomen, and genital areas with children at a much higher risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness of the danger,” Mr Yarrow said.

“Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to be truly life‑changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.”

Safer Cold & Flu Remedies

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use decongestant sprays
• Try vapour rubs or salt water nasal rinses
• Rest and allow your body to recover naturally

Mr Yarrow emphasised that quick action is vital:

“Should the worst happen and a burn injury occur, remembering the 3Cs can make all the difference. Cooling the burn properly and seeking help quickly reduces the potential for long‑term injury or scarring.”

Burns First Aid – The 3Cs

• Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes
• Call for help – dial 999, 111 or contact your GP
• Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile, non‑fluffy dressing

Extra winter warning: hot water bottles

The centre also reminded people to take care with hot water bottles, which continue to cause scald injuries each winter.

Advanced practitioner occupational therapist Janine Evans said:

“We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we’re saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It’s all about minimising the risk of an accident happening.”

Health experts at Swansea Bay University Health Board say both warnings carry the same message: simple home remedies can carry hidden dangers. Whether it’s bowls of boiling water for steam inhalation or ageing hot water bottles, everyday items can cause devastating burns if used unsafely.

They urge the public to avoid steam inhalation altogether, follow NHS‑recommended remedies for colds and flu, and take extra care with hot water bottles this winter.

#burnsAndPlasticSurgery #BurnsFirstAid #coldRemedy #colds #flu #hotWaterBottle #steamInhalation #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

‘Cooking the books’: Ombudsman slams ‘systemic failure’ at health board over latest knee surgery scandal

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has delivered a damning verdict, branding the case part of a systemic failure in the way the Health Board manages its waiting lists. It comes less than two years after three earlier public interest reports exposed similar blunders in orthopaedic care, and just months after an independent review of maternity and neonatal services found repeated failings and forced Welsh Government intervention

Together, the scandals paint a picture of a Health Board struggling to maintain basic standards across critical services, with watchdogs warning that Swansea Bay has failed to learn from past mistakes.

Patient’s fury: “Cooking the books”

The man, known only as Mr W, told investigators he believed the Health Board was “cooking the books” when he discovered his waiting time clock had been reset without his knowledge. He had already been waiting more than 276 weeks — over five years — yet officials claimed his wait was just 60 weeks.

The Ombudsman agreed the reset was inappropriate and amounted to maladministration, saying it robbed Mr W of the chance to undergo surgery. By the time the error was uncovered, he was no longer fit to proceed.

A catalogue of errors

The investigation found no clinician had ever documented Mr W as medically unfit when his clock was reset in October 2023. Instead, he was sent for further tests, which later confirmed he was fit to go ahead. Yet the reset had already been applied, wiping years off his waiting time.

The Health Board admitted an “administrative error” in how the reset was recorded, and conceded Mr W was never told about the change. What shocked the Ombudsman further was that Swansea Bay had already been ordered to audit its waiting lists after the earlier scandals. That audit was supposed to catch mistakes like this, but it failed — raising serious doubts about whether other patients have also been short‑changed.

Health Board forced into public apology

Chief Executive Abigail Harris has now been forced to issue a public apology after the Ombudsman’s report exposed the blunders. In a statement, she said:

“The Health Board would like to publicly apologise for the failings identified and for the distress that this caused to the patient. We fully accept the Ombudsman’s recommendations and will implement them within the prescribed timescales.”

The Ombudsman’s recommendations go far beyond a simple apology. Swansea Bay must retrain staff on the rules for managing waiting lists, making sure cases like Mr W’s are handled properly in future. An independent re‑audit of orthopaedic waiting lists will now be commissioned to check if other patients have been treated unfairly, and if so, they too must be apologised to and have their records corrected. The Board itself has been told to take direct oversight, with a committee monitoring compliance to ensure these failures are not repeated.

A scandal with wider echoes

For Mr W, the apology comes too late. His five‑year wait has ended not with surgery, but with the door slammed shut. And his words — accusing the Health Board of “cooking the books” — will now echo far beyond his own case, raising fresh fears for thousands of other patients across Swansea Bay.

With maternity services already under special measures after repeated failings, and orthopaedics now branded a “systemic failure,” the Health Board faces mounting pressure to prove it can finally fix a broken system.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Independent review finds repeated failings in Swansea Bay maternity care
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Health Minister escalates Swansea Bay maternity services
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Patient group reveals shocking treatment of new mothers at Singleton Hospital
Llais report details mothers feeling unheard, unsupported, or unsafe in local maternity care.

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#administrativeError #featured #hospitalWaitingList #kneeReplacementSurgery #NHSWaitingList #orthopaedicCare #orthopaedics #PublicServicesOmbudsmanForWales #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard #WaitingLists

Swansea Bay doctors say paracetamol switch is a win for kids, cash and climate

Same pain relief, less hassle

Five clinicians at Morriston Hospital studied how children were given paracetamol during planned surgery.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Tereza Soskova explained: “There’s no difference in safety or pain relief between IV and oral paracetamol.”

Until recently, children were routinely given the drug through a cannula in their hand once they were under anaesthetic. Now, thanks to the project, they are offered paracetamol as a liquid or tablet before going into theatre.

Dr Soskova said the change has been welcomed by staff and families alike: “It’s simpler, less invasive, and the children don’t even notice they’ve had it.”

Big savings for NHS and planet

The team’s findings were stark. IV paracetamol was found to be 24 times more expensive than tablets. Dr Soskova said switching to oral gave “98 per cent cost savings.”

She added: “IV paracetamol results in up to 12 times higher emissions than oral tablets. That has changed our view on paracetamol usage, and we are looking to switch to a 90 per cent oral usage rate.”

In 2024 alone, more than 1,300 children at Morriston had IV paracetamol. If tablets had been used instead, the NHS would have saved £1,150 and avoided 9,190kg of carbon emissions — the equivalent of driving 23,403 miles in a petrol car.

Doctors leading the way

The project — called IMPROVE (Improving Paracetamol use with Routine Oral over Venous administration) — was led by Dr Soskova alongside colleagues Dr Rebeca Harris, Dr Alex Morgan, Dr Lara Sabry and Dr Linn Jarte.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Harris said: “We wanted to look at the impact we were making here in Swansea Bay. The figures speak for themselves — oral paracetamol is better for patients, better for the NHS, and better for the planet.”

Senior Clinical Fellow Dr Sabry added: “This is about making small changes that add up to big differences. We’re proud Swansea Bay is leading the way.”

Wider impact on healthcare

The team pointed to research in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, which showed healthcare is responsible for five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Pharmaceuticals make up between 19 and 32 per cent of that total.

Dr Soskova said: “Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medicines worldwide — six per cent of all pharmaceutical sales. So if we can change how we use it locally, the impact could be huge nationally and globally.”

Next step: adults too

The Swansea Bay team now wants to roll out the change across adult surgery in Morriston, Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals. With far greater numbers of patients, the savings in money and emissions could be scaled up considerably.

Dr Alex Morgan said: “This is just the start. If we can make oral paracetamol the default in adult surgery too, the benefits will multiply.”

A greener future for the NHS

The project shows how small changes in everyday practice can deliver big wins for patients and the planet.

Dr Soskova summed it up: “We’ve proved oral paracetamol is safe, effective, cheaper and greener. That’s a win for everyone.”

Green healthcare in Swansea Bay

Inhaler project breathes fresh air
Asthma patients switching inhalers could cut Swansea Bay’s carbon footprint dramatically.

Health board’s green approach
Swansea Bay University Health Board showcased eco-friendly projects at a national sustainability event.

Hospital aims to save planet too
Morriston Hospital staff cutting emissions while delivering care.

Inhaler recycling scheme
Welsh Government-funded scheme reducing carbon and supporting NHS Wales Net Zero goals.

#anaesthesia #anaesthetist #carbonEmissions #childrensWard #morristonHospital #paracetamol #pharmaceuticals #swanseaBayNhs #swanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

Neath transplant patient helps mark organ donation milestone

At the time, the 39-year-old from Neath was in poor health, because of Polycystic kidney disease, and undergoing gruelling dialysis treatment three times a week while on the transplant list.

Then came the phone call, on 19th November, 2012, that proved truly life-changing – he was to receive a kidney transplant.

Recalling his quality of life before the transplant, Stewart said:

“When I first went to hospital for dialysis they put a needle in my vein, set the machine and walked off leaving me there for two hours. I said, ‘I’m not doing this ever again.’ The doctor told me I had two choices; either have dialysis or I was going to die.

“Alongside it you get these other illnesses because the kidneys don’t function properly.

“I had a lot of illnesses, including a heart attack and brain haemorrhage, and was in and out of hospital prior to the transplant. I was unwell”.

Stewart is sharing his story now to help mark the 10th anniversary of The Human Transplantation Act (Wales), known as deemed consent, which means you will be treated as if you have no objection to your organs being used to help another person in the event of your death – although doctors would not do so against the wishes of your immediate family. 

Stewart also hopes he can encourage people to consider organ donation, and to make their wishes known now to their family and loved ones to avoid painful decisions should the situation ever arise.

“The five months I had dialysis was the worst time,” he added.

“I was leaving work to go to the hospital and would have treatment until 9 pm and then get home for tea. That was every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for five months – It was a bit of a chore.”

Then came the call, out of the blue.

“It was the greatest phone call ever! I was on my way to dialysis when I had the call to say there was a transplant team in Cardiff waiting with a kidney.

“I couldn’t believe it at first. You can’t get your hopes up too much in case it’s not a match. But it was fine and the doctor said they could do it there and then.”

Stewart wasn’t told the identity of the donor.

“All I knew was it came from a lady in England in her late 40s. That’s all they said. I was able to send a thank-you letter to her family.

“When I came around after the transplant, I felt really well straight away. It was amazing. I thought I had received a kidney from a bloke but when I found out it was a woman, I felt really emotional. I don’t know why.

“It’s a surreal situation to be in but it’s such an appreciative moment – you can’t explain it really.”

Now he is living testimony of how organ donation can transform lives.

“There’s lots of people out there suffering, who are desperate to lead a normal, healthy life, and your decision to allow your organs to be used after you have gone can make such a difference.

“Organ donation saves lives. It really does. It can give someone a better quality of life for years, which, otherwise, they would never have had.

“It doesn’t just help that person, it also helps their families – their children, husbands, wives, partners, grandparents. My missus went through a terrible time. It’s a huge change and a massive help.”

Stewart is not alone with more than 44,000 people across the UK benefitting from deceased and living donor organ transplants in the past decade.

However, there is always room for improvement as 217 people have died waiting for an organ transplant in Wales over the past ten years because they didn’t receive the lifesaving organs they desperately needed in time, new figures reveal.

Closer to home there are currently 137 people on the transplant waiting list in West Wales and 123 referrals this year so far to be considered for transplant.

There have been 40 transplants so far this year – 16 from living donors and 24 deceased.

Kathryn Gooding, Specialist Nurse Organ Donation in Swansea Bay, said:

“The legislation around deceased donation changed in Wales on December 1st 2015, when we moved to ‘deemed consent’.

“You can still opt in or opt out on the Organ Donor Register but it means that if you are an adult that has not registered a decision around organ and tissue donation, it will be explored as part of your end-of-life care.

“It is really important your family and loved ones know what you want, regardless of whether you are registered or deemed a donor, to help support your decision.” 

Kathryn said that it is a conversation that can benefit so many people in many ways.

She said: “The decision to become a donor can save up to nine lives and enhance many more. Our donors and their families are incredible. Organ and tissue donation doesn’t only save or improve the life of someone who needs it, but it can leave their family and friends a legacy of love and giving.”

Swansea Bay Transplant Recipient Nurse, Melanie Pickman, was keen to praise all donors and their families, she said:

“I think the only quote that always comes to mind is thank you! Thank you to our selfless donors and their families.

“Their gift has saved a life, a family. They are the heroes. Our patients cannot write the next chapter without them.”

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 

“It’s really concerning to see the numbers of people waiting for a transplant slowly rising and people are dying needlessly every day because of the shortage of organs for transplant. We really need people who want to be a donor after they die to make it clear to their families and encourage them to support that decision.

“Last year, 90 per cent of UK families honoured their loved one’s decision to become a donor when they had recorded their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, which made those conversations with families so much easier. People are far more likely to support donation when they know it’s what their relative wanted.

“I would urge everyone in Wales who supports organ donation to register their decision and make it clear that it’s what you want should the worst happen. It only takes two minutes to register but it could save the lives of people who so desperately need a transplant. Please sign up. It’s the best thing you’ll do today.”

To find out more, and confirm your support for organ donation, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23

#humanTransplantationAct #swanseaBayNhs #swanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard #transplant

Kev Johns brings smiles to Chemotherapy patients

The visit formed part of Kev’s promotional tour ahead of this year’s Swansea Grand Theatre pantomime, Aladdin, which runs from 6th December to 4th January, where he’ll take to the stage as the ever-fabulous Mona Manky. But beyond the bright costumes and big laughs, Kev’s visit carried a far deeper meaning.

As an ambassador for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer Appeal, Kev’s connection to Ward 9 is deeply personal. Having been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer four years ago, he has undergone 42 treatments and continues to receive monthly immunotherapy at Singleton Hospital. Now thriving and full of gratitude, he remains passionate about supporting those on their own cancer journeys – and the incredible staff who care for them.

“I just like to say thank you,” said Kev.

“If I can bring a bit of cheer to the faces of the staff who work incredibly hard on Ward 9 – to whom I am indebted for the care, treatment, and support they give me – then I’m happy. I love them to bits. They are the most incredible people, from Mary at reception to all the staff in various rooms”.

Kev’s visit was filled with touching moments. One patient called Peter, joined by his wife, became emotional after a difficult few weeks, later sharing that the surprise visit had brightened their day. Another special moment came when Heather Pickford, who had just completed her treatment for breast cancer, rang the milestone bell alongside Kev to celebrate her final chemotherapy session.

Reflecting on the day, Kev said:

“I know exactly what patients are going through. I’ve sat in those chairs myself through various stages of my own cancer journey.”

“I am very aware of what is going on, so if I saw somebody who I thought maybe it’s not a good day to do this today, then I wouldn’t. I’m very much guided by the staff. This is my way of supporting an incredible part of the Swansea Bay University Health Board and the charity which I have great affection for and great gratitude for”.

As someone who has turned his personal battle into a message of hope, Kev continues to use his platform to raise awareness and encourage fundraising for the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer Appeal – a campaign that helps improve facilities, comfort, and support for cancer patients across Swansea Bay.

“I had a message from one fella who said ‘you went to see my mother today and you put a much-needed smile on her face,’ so that made me think that maybe what we’re doing is a good thing,” Kev added.

Kev’s visit was a reminder that kindness, humour and hope can go a long way in lifting spirits – especially in places where courage is found every day.

If you’d like to see Kev’s Mona Manky performance in Aladdin at Swansea Grand Theatre from 6th December, tickets are available here.

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

#kevinJohns #swanseaBayNhs #swanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

Long-serving Swansea NHS healthcare professional signs off with lifetime achievement award

Miss Sheryl Morris, Senior Chief Cardiorespiratory Physiologist, who recently retired from SBUHB after more than 45 years of service at Singleton Hospital’s Cardiology Department, now holds a British Society of Echocardiography Lifetime Achievement Award.

The British Society of Echocardiography presents the Lifetime Achievement Award annually to recognise members who have contributed significantly, and demonstrated outstanding achievements and longevity, within the field of echocardiography.

Dr Geraint Morris, Consultant Paediatrician and Clinical Apprenticeship Lead and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Swansea University Medical School, said:

Sheryl had been widely acknowledged as “an expert” in her field who had always gone “above and beyond” to do an “immeasurably large amount of good” for those in her care, stating he couldn’t think of anyone more “deserving” of the award, labelling it “a fitting gesture to mark the end of a career of which she can be extremely proud.”

“I can’t imagine that anyone deserves this more than she does, and we think this will be a fitting gesture to mark the end of a career of which she can be extremely proud, and during which she did an immeasurably large amount of good to the children, young people, and families under her care.

“Sheryl worked tirelessly as an NHS Cardiorespiratory Physiologist in Swansea for more than 45 years and developed expertise in paediatric echocardiography.

“She trained in Swansea and in Cardiff and started offering a paediatric echocardiography service in the late 1990s. Since then, Sheryl has been widely acknowledged as an expert in this skill among local and tertiary paediatric cardiology colleagues.

“Sheryl has always gone above and beyond in her post, from providing biscuits and refreshments for clinical colleagues in outpatient clinics, to staying on, well beyond her working hours, to ensure children who require urgent investigations get them, and acting, in many instances, as a conduit between clinical teams.

“It would be impossible to adequately assess the magnitude of the amassed hours that Sheryl has put into her job – finishing reports, replying to emails, and preparing for clinics, often alone in the department, when others have long gone home. Suffice to say that it has not gone unnoticed and her colleagues of all grades and disciplines are very grateful to her.

“Despite some significant health problems, Sheryl has seldom had any time off work. She is extremely resilient, and her dogged determination to complete all her duties to a high standard has never left a task unfinished. She has always, imperceptibly, booked annual leave to ‘suit’ the clinical work and has never begrudged the additional burden that this must have placed on her personal life.”

Dr Morris praised Sheryl for being a constant within the service over the years.

He said: “During times of rapid changes in healthcare, including transitions between clinicians, Sheryl is the one constant that her young patients have been able to recognise and expect to see in their hospital visits, from infancy to adulthood. Often patients, when explaining their histories, will address her, not so much the clinician in the room!”

Her contribution to the children’s service was recognised in the Health Board’s Chairman’s Awards Ceremony on 5th July 2018 with a Highly Commended award in recognition of her outstanding work.

Sheryl also played a role in shaping future careers.

Dr Morris said: “With the high number of young paediatric trainees who worked in the paediatric and neonatal services at Swansea, inevitably some developed an interest in paediatric cardiology and Sheryl was instrumental in teaching them echocardiography, and many of these have gone on to become consultants in various parts of the world, retaining the skills that Sheryl taught them.

“More recently, Sheryl has taught all our current excellent team of paediatric physiologists, from beginner level through to passing their European Accreditation Examination in paediatric echocardiography.”

Dr Morris added that Sheryl had proved to be the ‘model’ work colleague over the years.

He said: “On top of all her work-related achievements, she has been an extremely pleasant and agreeable colleague – she has never said a word in anger. She can be firm when needed but never crossed that professional line with her own feelings or views. Indeed, she has always been very cheerful, and her lovely smile has an uplifting effect on all around her.”

The award came out of the blue for Sheryl.

She said: “Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award was a total surprise.

“I have been fortunate to have had a career that I have thoroughly enjoyed-particularly echocardiography. I have a lot of people to thank over the years for getting me to this point – too many to mention.

“I particularly want to thank all my colleagues who took the time to nominate me for this award as they thought I was deserving of it. I am truly overwhelmed and touched.

“This is the ‘icing on the cake’ of my career. Thank you so much. Diolch yn fawr!”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

#BritishSociety #cardiology #Echocardiography #SingletonHospital #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

Hospital A&E staff celebrated as part of charity’s ‘national appreciation week’

As part of the week-long initiative running from 13– 17 October 2025, RRT volunteers visited Morriston Hospital to host a welfare event providing coffee and cakes to boost morale and show appreciation for the hard work of A&E staff. 

Over the course of the week, RRT hosted 115 coordinated events in hospitals across the country, serving more than 9,000 coffees and cakes to emergency teams. 

At Morriston Hospital, volunteers from the charity served 160 refreshments over two days, giving teams the opportunity to pause, connect with colleagues, and feel appreciated for their vital work on the frontline.

The RRT is calling for the formal designation of an annual A&E Appreciation Week, to ensure that frontline emergency staff receive the national recognition and gratitude they deserve every year.

The charity has been working closely with the local NHS team and hospital leaders to organise the event, ensuring it fit seamlessly within the busy day of the A&E department, while still giving staff the chance to take a moment away from their duties to recharge. 

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is dedicated to putting compassion into action. With over a decade of experience supporting the UK’s healthcare system, RRT regularly organises welfare events for hospital staff and marks key occasions such as International Nurses Day.

Chad Pillar, RRT Local Team Leader, said:

“It was fantastic for our volunteers to visit Morriston Hospital and see the staff’s reaction when they found out we were there to give them a bit of a different break time packed with treats.

“It was an honour to thank the incredible A&E staff for everything they do. Every day they show courage, kindness, and commitment under immense pressure.

“Through A&E Appreciation Week, we wanted to give something back – even in a small way – to show our gratitude and remind them that their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

“This is why we are calling for the formal recognition of this appreciation week so that every year we can come together as a nation to celebrate and support the dedicated people who keep our emergency departments running.”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

#AccidentAndEmergency #MorristonHospital #RapidRelief #SwanseaBayNHS

New health monitors installed in local GP surgeries

Patients across parts of Swansea can now monitor their blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI) in their GP practice waiting rooms, thanks to new health pod machines designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Available in local surgeries

The monitors have been installed at Gowerton Medical Centre, Penclawdd Health Centre, Penybryn Surgery, Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, Talybont Surgery and Ty’r Felin Surgery in Loughor. Patients can use them without booking an appointment, simply by dropping in during practice opening hours.

How the machines work

The pods guide patients through a short process: entering their date of birth and gender, answering lifestyle questions, and then measuring height, weight and blood pressure. Results are stored directly on the patient’s clinical record, and a printout can also be taken home.

‘Convenient and accessible’

Dr Sowndarya Shivaraj, who leads the project locally, said:

“The introduction of the health pod monitors in our GP surgeries offers patients a convenient and accessible way to check their blood pressure and BMI without needing to wait for a nurse appointment. By flagging risks early, we are better able to offer timely health advice and support.”

Supporting healthier lifestyles

Lorraine Thomas, practice manager at Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, said the machines were already proving popular.

“Everything appears on a screen and there’s a questionnaire where patients are asked if they smoke and want help to quit, and it will ask about alcohol intake too. The information then gets stored on their clinical records so GP practices can monitor them.”

She added:

“Most people aren’t aware of their blood pressure and other readings, such as their BMI, so it is helpful for them to be able to come in and check and then they can monitor it.”

Early detection of health risks

Staff will review the results and contact patients if readings are higher than recommended.

Dr Shivaraj said:

“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, so regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management. If the health pod detects high blood pressure, our teams will be alerted and the patient will be offered a follow‑up appointment for further assessment.”

The initiative is part of wider work to encourage people to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining their health, with additional support available for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol use.

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#bloodPressureMonitor #BMICheck #GorseinonGP #Gowerton #GowertonMedicalCentre #Loughor #Penclawdd #PenclawddHealthCentre #PenybrynSurgery #PrincessStreetSurgery #selfServiceHealthPod #Swansea #SwanseaBayNHS #TalybontSurgery #TyRFelinSurgery

Wales’ only mother and baby mental health unit to close temporarily for urgent repairs

The Swansea Bay University Health Board confirmed that work will begin on 13 October to fix a significant roof leak and install a new air cooling system. The decision follows a review by the Royal College of Psychiatry, which raised concerns that temperatures inside the unit had exceeded safe sleep standards for babies.

The health board said the closure was unavoidable, stressing that the safety of patients and staff was the overriding priority.

Uned Gobaith — meaning “Unit of Hope” — opened in April 2021 and is the only inpatient perinatal mental health unit in Wales. It was established after years of campaigning by families and clinicians, who warned that mothers experiencing severe mental health problems during or after pregnancy were being forced either onto adult psychiatric wards without their babies, or sent across the border to England for specialist care.

The unit has six bedrooms designed for mothers and their babies, with space for up to seven infants to allow for multiple births. It offers a homely environment with shared living and kitchen areas, a playroom, quiet room and sensory room. Family accommodation is also available for those travelling long distances. A multidisciplinary team — including psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, midwives, social workers, health visitors and nursery nurses — provides round‑the‑clock care.

The closure means that, for the first time since the unit opened, women in Wales who need inpatient perinatal mental health support may again face being admitted to independent sector beds or sent further afield. The health board’s perinatal mental health team will continue to manage admissions and liaise with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee to secure alternative provision.

A spokesperson for Swansea Bay University Health Board said:

“This is a temporary, but absolutely necessary measure and it will result in a safer and more suitable environment for everyone in the future.”

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance has previously described the opening of Uned Gobaith as “a significant difference to the lives of women and their families” in Wales. Campaigners have long argued that access to specialist perinatal care is a matter of equality, pointing out that before 2021, Welsh mothers in crisis were often separated from their babies or forced to travel to Bristol or further.

The temporary closure also comes at a time when the health board’s wider maternity services are under intense scrutiny. As Swansea Bay News has reported, a Llais report revealed shocking accounts from new mothers at Singleton Hospital, including claims of women being left in blood‑soaked sheets and dismissed when raising concerns. Following three damning independent reviews, the Welsh Government escalated maternity services at Singleton to the highest level of intervention, and a Scottish health leader has been brought in to oversee reforms.

Work at Uned Gobaith is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, with the unit due to reopen before the end of November.

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