Hywel Dda Health Charities on new lung function machine purchased for Withybush Hospital

Hywel Dda Health Charities has provided a new lung function machine, costing more than £38,000, for the Cardio-Respiratory department at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest – thanks to donations from local communities.

With demand on the cardio-respiratory service ever increasing, the upgraded equipment is helping with patient diagnosis and treatment times and improving the patient flow through the hospital.

The machine also enables electronic transfer of reports to consultants across Hywel Dda’s sites in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, which reduces the need for additional hospital appointments.

Principal Clinic Physiologist Sian Jones said: “This is an amazing piece of equipment. We feel lucky to have it and are very grateful for the donations which have enabled Hywel Dda Health Charities to purchase this machine for us.

“We are now able to provide airway and lung testing for more complex cases, especially for cancer patients, that is not available on older machines. This new, up-to-date machine will ensure quick and accurate diagnosis on how the lungs are functioning and allow appropriate treatment plans in a timely manner.

“For patients these complex diagnostic tests will ensure shorter hospital stays or even avoid admission.”

Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Nicola Llewelyn, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire 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

Pictured with the new machine is Sami Abdelmoniem, Senior Respiratory Physiologist.