HYWEL Dda Health Charities has purchased a new Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine costing more than £5,000 for the Rhiannon surgical ward at Bronglais Hospital, thanks to local donations.

A new unit for patients recovering from surgery has been developed as part of Rhiannon ward, currently for patients being treated for colorectal cancer but also in the future to be extended to orthopaedic and gynaecology patients.

The ECG machine will be used to check patients’ cardiac rhythms and electrical activity, helping to monitor heart conditions of patients recovering after operations.

Sister Louise Evans said: “Nurses on Rhiannon ward have had extra training under our new Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Simone Sebastiani so we can look after patients who need extra care but do not need admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), post-surgery.

“We currently have three beds on the new Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). This means less likelihood of cancelled surgery because beds on the intensive care and higher dependency units are full.

“Having our own dedicated ECG machine means care will be provided in the timeliest manner.”

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.”

Pictured right with the new ECG machine at Bronglais Hospital are Registered General Nurse Evie Williams and Health Care Support Worker Tracey Leighton.