Blood cancer patients in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion benefit from NHS charity funds
Blood cancer patients in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion benefit from NHS charity funds
--
Two new trainee Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) covering Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are having a positive impact on the experience of blood cancer patients in the two counties. The CNSs are funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, with 50% match funding for the Pembrokeshire CNS provided by the Withybush Cancer Day Unit Appeal Fund.
Haematology CNSs deliver specialist care to blood cancer patients. Around 80 patients in the area have a diagnosis of blood cancer within a calendar year.
The Haematology CNS Team act as key workers for patients from the point of diagnosis, building strong therapeutic relationships with the patient and their family and acting as a central source of support.
The initiative gives the two trainee CNSs the opportunity to shadow the work of existing nurse specialists, take part in training programmes, and visit similar specialist teams across south Wales. The aim is to increase the knowledge base and safeguard skills within the clinical nursing teams.
The charitable funds pay for two Haematology CNS trainees for three days per week for a three-year period. The CNSs are currently eight months into the programme.
Gina Beard, Lead Cancer Nurse for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The two CNSs are not only significantly improving the patient experience throughout their care pathway; they are also ensuring the sustainability of the haematology service in our more rural localities.
“Recent figures show a particularly high number of vacancies for haematology nurses in Wales. Current service provision within the health board is fragile, and these two posts are intended to assist with future proofing the service.
“The Macmillan Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey shows that patients with access to a CNS report a significantly better experience. The ongoing provision of the CNS role for patients with blood cancer provides the perfect opportunity to improve the patient experience in the health board area.”
Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We are so pleased to be able to fund posts such as these which bring such tangible and sustainable benefits to patients.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff.”
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients, service users and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
Blood cancer patients in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion benefit from NHS charity funds
Controversial Pembrokeshire dairy farm wins unanimous expansion approval from planners
A controversial planning application to increase the number of calf buildings at one of Pembrokeshire's largest dairy farms has been given the green light by county planners.
Blue Lagoon temporarily closed to swimmers to protect seals and their pups
One of Pembrokeshire's most popular coastal attractions is to be temporarily closed to swimmers in a bid to protect breeding seals and their pups.
Haverfordwest County AFC wins new 3G pitch approval
Haverfordwest's Riverside car park to close
Ashley Rogers' memory lives on in Kilgetty 'Dash for Ash'
The name and memory of 29-year-old Ashley Rogers who was tragically killed in a road accident on the A477 Fingerpost junction in May 2023 lives on, following the successful 'Dash for Ash Kilgetty 5k Run.'
Countdown begins to the Paul Sartori West Wales Karting Event 2024
Local Karting enthusiasts are in for a treat once again this autumn thanks to the ever-popular West Wales Karting event which takes place at the County Showground, Haverfordwest.
Could beavers soon be making a re-appearance throughout Pembrokeshire?
A man with a life packed full of stories that deserve to be heard once more….
Following an incredible ten years of touring Wales and the World, including performances in New York, Washington DC and Adelaide, the Torch Theatre is delighted to once again bring the story of Ray Gravell – ‘Grav’ to Milford Haven from Wednesday 9 October. During this limited run the show will reach its 200th cap in a special celebration performance on Saturday 12 October.