Swansea Bay University Health Board

A simple blood test could lead to the earlier detection and treatment of lung cancer thanks to a research study in Swansea Bay. Swansea Bay University Health Board and Swansea University are collaborating on a specific technique which aims to detect the disease more quickly, and prevent patients from undergoing invasive and unpleasant tests. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with more than 43,000 people diagnosed with the condition every year. In the UK, the long-term five-year survival of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer is 14 per cent, but when diagnosed in its early stages (Stage I and II) when the cancer is small and treatable with surgery, that rises to over 65%. The study is being led by Professors Dean Harris and Ira Goldsmith, and governed by the health board’s research and development department with support from research delivery nurses, which are funded by Health and Care Research Wales. More than 60 patients who have had lung nodules detected have volunteered to be part of the research by giving a simple blood test. Those results are now being analysed as part of the study. 👉 Read more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gq4kQBrw #NHS #NHSWales #Healthcare #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

A litter-picking project involving patients at a mental health hospital in Swansea has cleaned up at the NHS Wales Sustainability Awards. The Gwelfor occupational therapy team in Cefn Coed Hospital was the winner of the Resilient Wales Award category. This was for its project to promote patients’ well-being by taking them into green spaces, allowing them to get active and connect with others. The team, which is based in a high relational support rehabilitation unit that provides mental health care to men, also uses the scheme to educate patients of the importance of caring for the environment. The annual awards are held promote the principles of sustainable healthcare within Wales and are presented to winners across the country’s seven health boards. The litter-picking project was just one success for Swansea Bay University Health Board. A wound management app also scooped a top prize, and two other initiatives were named runners-up. Mal Mainwaring, occupational therapy technical instructor at Cefn Coed, said: “We wanted to get the patients out into natural environments and give them the opportunity to give something back to the community.” The project sees the group link up with the Environment Centre Swansea and join them on their fortnightly litter-picks. The occupational therapy team also takes patients to various green spaces and beaches around Swansea to pick up litter. 👉 Read more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/e5K2dyna #NHS #NHSWales #Healthcare #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

A limited number of places have become available at a special event aimed at highlighting what a career in physiotherapy has to offer.   The workshop is aimed at students aged 14 -17 years old, who are interested in physiotherapy as a career.   The event, organised by SBUHB Physiotherapists, takes place on Wednesday 7th August 2024 from 8.30am – 1.00pm (approx.) in Morriston Hospital Clinical School, is free to attend and is open to students living in the Swansea Bay catchment area.   The event will include workshops and presentations from experienced therapists who work with a range of patient groups. It will explain the training involved and scope of practice of a qualified physiotherapist.      The day will be interactive and students will be expected to participate in discussions and practical demonstrations. There will also be an opportunity to meet students and representatives from Cardiff University, who can offer valuable insight into applying and studying for a career in physiotherapy.   Places are limited and MUST be booked. We will not be able to admit students who turn up on the day without booking or friends / family attending with a student.   Please e-mail [email protected]  to register.   For more information about physiotherapy as a career, please visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) website: www.csp.org.uk

NEW VACANCY! An opportunity has arisen for a permanent post as the Divisional Manager for Mental Health within the Mental Health & LD Service Group. The successful applicant will join an experienced senior management team. The Divisional Manager will be accountable to the Associate Service Director. The role is key to the safe and effective delivery of quality mental health care for all ages. The Divisional Manager will have responsibility for a mental health division that contains Older People Services, Adult Services, Substance use Services and Children & Adolescent Services. For more information and to apply, click here: https://lnkd.in/eiEcNGuY

NEW VACANCY! Group Nurse Director Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Service Group Swansea Bay University Health Board would like to invite applications for this exciting and challenging role in a team delivering compassionate and clinically excellent healthcare. See vacancy leaflet below for more information ⬇ To apply, click here:

People with suspected respiratory infections can undergo a simple test at their GP practice to help determine whether they need antibiotics. The new project, which is being trialled across several GP practices in Swansea Bay, is hoped to ensure patients only have antibiotics when they need them. They will be able to undergo a finger pinprick test at their surgery, with the result provided within minutes. The test helps to guide clinicians on whether antibiotics are needed, for example if the result is high, or not if the result is low. Reducing the amount of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed can help to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance, which can make some infections more difficult to treat. It also avoids some of the unpleasant and harmful side effects that can come with antibiotic treatments. 👉 Read more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/ePqNk2fu #NHS #NHSWales #Healthcare #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

New Vacancy – Head of Operations An opportunity has arisen for a 2-year secondment as the Head of Operations for Mental Health & Learning Disabilities within the Mental Health & LD Service Group. The successful applicant will join an experienced senior management team. The post holder will be accountable for optimising the resources of the Service Group in order to deliver safe and effective patient care and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. They will provide leadership to the staff, functions and services managed, and be accountable to the Associate Service Group Director for all services in the operational function of the Service Group. For more information and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/e3hib3B9

New Vacancy - Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery We are looking for an inclusive, inspiring and dynamic Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery to provide professional leadership to our Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, Midwives and Nurses and ensure that we are central to a commitment to the quality, safety and continuous improvement of our services. https://lnkd.in/eA-hk__P For more information, please visit the recruitment microsite: https://join-sbuhb.co.uk/

New Vacancy - Chief Executive This is a role for a values-led experienced senior leader who can create the conditions for our talented and dispersed multi professional workforce to flourish and our performance to improve. To that end we are seeking an individual able to demonstrate a track record of achieving sustained organisational/service change and improvement within an environment of comparable complexity. A compassionate leader able to articulate a clear sense of direction and vision during times of challenge. Be the change we need to deliver improved outcomes to Swansea Bay. https://lnkd.in/e9KwtQS3 For more information please visit the recruitment microsite: https://join-sbuhb.co.uk/

The allure of Swansea Bay has been too strong to resist for an overseas nurse whose role in Morriston Hospital is unique in Wales. Five years ago, Saphira Hacuma became a headache clinical nurse specialist, transforming the lives of people living with debilitating pain. Now, as she prepares for retirement, the mother-of-two has reflected on her on-off relationship with Swansea, dating back almost 20 years. Saphira trained as a nurse in her home country of Zambia before arriving in the UK in 2003 when she began work in Sheffield. “I joined Morriston Hospital in 2005 after my husband, Wallace, was offered a job here as a scrub nurse in theatres – a job he did until 2019 when he took early retirement,” said Saphira. “I started as a nurse in trauma. As I recall, there were only five black nurses in the entire trust, all of whom have since left. “I then moved to musculoskeletal, where I stayed until 2011.” Saphira wanted to become a nurse practitioner but could not progress her career in that direction despite additional training. So she went in another direction, training as a midwife with Swansea University and Singleton Hospital from 2011 until she qualified, graduating with first-class honours in 2013. Even then she was unable to find work locally, so relocated to England. But, she said, she found herself drawn back to Swansea, which Saphira now regarded as her home. 👉 Read more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/eAbznaCY #NHS #NHSWales #Healthcare #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard