#NHS24Cymru – Celebrating NHS Wales' 24/7 Care
Today we’re taking part in #NHS24Cymru, a day dedicated to sharing the volume and breadth of work that goes on across NHS Wales. We’ve gathered a few examples here of the great work being done, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our teams. Join us in celebrating our unsung heroes and positive achievements in the Health Board!
At Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, our Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is making a real difference in reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures and supporting patients on their journey to better bone health
Every year in Wales, over 20,000 fractures occur, including 4,000 hip fractures, many leading to pain, disability, or loss of independence. Without treatment, there’s a 1 in 3 chance of a second fracture within 12 months.
Led by specialist consultants and Clinical Nurse Specialists, the Fracture Liaison Service Identify patients over 50 with fragility fractures and provide comprehensive health assessments. They offer tailored treatments, lifestyle advice, follow-ups and in turn reduce the risk of future fractures by up to 40%!
By acting early and empowering patients, we’re reducing fractures, hospital stays, and improving quality of life across Gwent.
The Breast Unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, brings together clinical teams offering outpatient care, diagnostic investigations and surgery.
It is a gold-standard one stop diagnostic service that has allowed patients to undergo investigative procedures in a single visit, significantly improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Natalie North, Breast Unit Support Manager said: “We remain committed to providing the highest quality care and support to those affected by breast cancer."
Our state of the art minimally-invasive Surgical Robot has made the Royal Gwent Hospital a new hub for robotic surgery!
This incredible technology will allow us to perform various surgeries, including colorectal, gynaecological, and ENT procedures.
The robot, widely used in the UK, America, and Europe, offers precise instrument control without large incisions. This will allow us to perform day-case procedures and get patients home the same day.
Jim Wilson, Consultant Surgeon for Urology at the Health Board (pictured), said: “We’ve pushed hard to get the robot here in Gwent so that we can deliver excellence of service and so patients can have their surgery locally. For the patient, this basically means a lot less time in hospital and hopefully a lot more time enjoying themselves and recuperating from the operation in an easy way."
Our enhanced Endoscopy Unit, at the Royal Gwent Hospital offers endoscopy services 7 days a week!
This expansion has doubled capacity, improved quality, safety, and patient experience while reducing wait times.
Endoscopy plays a crucial role in diagnosing suspected cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions, offering procedures like Gastroscopy, Capsules, Colonoscopies, and Endoscopic Ultrasounds, along with essential follow-up care.
This upgrade has meant faster access, better care, and improved outcomes for our patients.
“Today I had an Endoscopy appointment at the Royal Gwent Hospital and I would like to express my thanks to the amazing staff there! I was extremely nervous and apprehensive about the procedure but I cannot thank the staff enough. The whole team were amazing, they put me at ease straight away and their attitudes and professionalism were outstanding!”
After suffering a major fracture on his right femur while walking the dog, Peter found himself in a difficult and painful situation.
But from the moment help arrived, he was surrounded by care and professionalism.
Peter had a 5-hour operation to pin and plate his knee at The Grange University Hospital. He was then cared for on ward A0 where he described he was “looked after like a king.”
“I would like to say massive thank you to the ambulance crew, Izzy and Mark for getting me through the initial trauma, to everyone on ward A0, Dr Parfitt and his incredible team and the porters for doing an amazing job!” said Peter.
Thanks to these brilliant teams, Peter was discharged on Christmas Eve and was able to enjoy his Christmas dinner at home.
Emily Taylor, Wales’ first hospital-based Pre-registration Optometrist, enters her final year of training to become a fully qualified Optometrist!
Emily’s pioneering role is transforming paediatric and specialist eye care, from running weekly paediatric refraction clinics to fitting specialist contact lenses not typically available in community opticians.
Her dedication is shaping the future of hospital optometry in Wales.
Her impact doesn’t stop there, Emily has also co-founded the Hospital Optometry Wales Group, supporting collaboration across Health Boards.
As she nears qualification, the Health Board looks forward to recruiting the next Pre-Registration Optometrist later this year.
