Hywel Dda Health Charities funds specialist training to empower health board staff

Thanks to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities has been able to fund higher education studies for 20 staff members across Hywel Dda University Health Board which will help enhance skills and benefit patients.

The specialist training will empower staff in nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare and healthcare science services, supporting their professional development.

The areas of expertise cover Palliative Care, Dermatology, Clinical Assessment, Medical Imaging, Physiotherapy, Critical Care and Musculoskeletal Diagnosis, and the qualifications being funded include Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters of Science.

In addition to the personal advancement, those studying will also be able to pass on much of the knowledge gained to colleagues in their teams, wards and departments.

Above: Training funding for 20 staff members – Cerys Davies

Cerys Davies, Ward Sister on the Intensive Care Unit at Bronglais Hospital, who is being funded to do a MSc  in Critical Care, said: “This course is enabling me to bring the most up-to-date clinical practice to patients. Things change so quickly in intensive care and I am already seeing benefits from my learning.

“The extensive knowledge that I gain will ensure that the care I deliver to my critically-ill patients will be of the highest standard and evidence-based. I am also going to share my knowledge with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.”

Jacob Backhouse, a Specialist Physiotherapist at Withybush Hospital, who has been given funding for a module towards his MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy, said: “I am almost five years into my career and am keen to build my knowledge base, to benefit patient care and feel confident in my ability as a clinician when dealing with lower limb musculoskeletal problems.

“I also mentor physiotherapists who work on rotations and what I am learning on this course will be used throughout my daily practice and enable me to pass on my experience to them.”

Catrin Johns, Neonatal Practice and Professional Development Nurse on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Glangwili Hospital, is receiving funding for a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education. She said: “I am responsible for providing education to all staff on SCBU. This learning will be shared with staff which will benefit the care provided to babies on the unit.

Above: Training funding for 20 staff members – Jacob Backhouse picture

“I am enthusiastic to learn how to develop in my role so that I provide the best learning opportunities to staff on SCBU.”

Gemma Littlejohns, Learning and Development Manager for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We know that investment in the professional development of our healthcare professionals is linked to improved patient outcomes and at Hywel Dda we always prioritise the essential development of our staff.

“Receiving £37,000 investment from Hywel Dda Health Charities has supported the higher education of twenty colleagues from across the nursing, midwifery, and allied health professional services, empowering them to develop their knowledge and skills beyond what is essential to their role.

“This investment will help our staff and services be even more responsive to the complex and frequently changing environment in which we find ourselves, and is enabling our staff to pursue specialisms which will benefit our patients and their families across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, 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