More than £10,000 in donations help fund simulation equipment for critical care units

THANKS to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to fund simulation equipment for critical care units across the health board to facilitate staff development.

Simulation equipment is used to enhance staff knowledge and skills by giving staff the opportunity to recreate an emergency situation using manikins, replica medications and devices that simulate emergency situations.

Members of the multi-disciplinary critical care team can practice how to provide the most effective care when treating a deteriorating patient who requires a rapid response, ensuring that airway, breathing and cardiovascular support in provided in a timely manner. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationships between the team when managing critical situations in a real-to-life environment.

Sandra Miles, Lead Practice Educator for ITU, said: “We are incredibly grateful that charitable donations have allowed us to purchase this fantastic equipment.

“Staff training and development is vitally important to service delivery, especially given the changing and evolving nature of critical care.

“The simulation equipment really helps when delivering training, ensuring skills are up-to-date and improving service delivery, staff motivation and morale.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “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.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact Josey Vaughan Hughes, Communications Assistant, by email at Josey.Vaughan-Hughes@wales.nhs.uk or by phone on 07790 831735 / 01267 239815.

Notes to Editors

1. Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board. The aim of the charity is to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The generous charitable donations received from patients, their families and local communities do not replace NHS funding, but are used to provide services and activities above and beyond what the NHS can provide.

Hywel Dda Health Charities raises and distributes funds to enhance local NHS services through:

Offering additional patient comforts to make time spent in hospital more comfortable
Providing the most up-to-date medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment
Creating more welcoming surroundings for patients, their families and staff
Supporting staff learning and development and wellbeing initiatives
Enhancing care in our local communities
Funding research projects to improve our understanding of new and emerging treatments
Delivering healthy living and health promotion initiatives.
For more information visit: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk