May 2014 “I feel they have gone above and beyond what is expected of them in their work. Their care and support will always be appreciated by me and my daughter, and we continue to remain in their debt.”
slation guage tran n la h ls e o W For see this log u o y r e v re e click wh
“I cannot emphasize the difference they have had on our lives. The positive impact that their care and hard work has accomplished cannot be put into words.”
Celebrating NHS staff
Board News
Violence and aggression
Our plans for 2014 - 2017
Eligible for funding?
Fundraisers for intensive care
Add to your life
WE ARE A NO SMOKING HEALTH BOARD PLEASE DON’T SMOKE AT ANY OF OUR HOSPITALS
CONTENT
3.
STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS
7.
BOARD NEWS
10.
VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION
11.
THREE YEAR PLAN
13.
ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUING HEALTHCARE FUNDING
14.
ADD TO YOUR LIFE
15.
FUNDRAISING BENEFITS INTENSIVE CARE
Cwm Taf staff recognised for outstanding achievement in improving patient care Staff from across Cwm Taf University Health Board were recognised for their outstanding contributions to high quality care at the annual staff recognition awards on Friday 23 May. CTUHB chairman Chris Jones and chief executive Allison Williams were present for the special ceremony in Nantgarw where award categories included leadership, partnership working, team of the year and patients’ choice. “This event is our chance in Cwm Taf to publicly
recognise the outstanding efforts that individual staff members are making to improve patients’ lives and experiences, and to celebrate the great work that is going on across the Health Board,” said Mrs Williams. “Once again this year it was an emotional occasion and I am immensely proud of everyone who was nominated.” Among the winners were:
Leadership Winner: Kath McGrath, Assis-
tant Director of Operations (Unscheduled Care), Kath McGrath Kath was recognised for her leadership in driving the “Fo-
cus on Flow” project which aims to identify blockages and delays in the hospital system and identify ways to speed up the flow of patients. At the start of the project there were 137 patients with lengths of stay of 40-days plus in community hospitals but in January 2014 only 18 remained in a community hospital setting.
Improving Patient Experience: Winner: Lynne Greenhill, clinical nurse specialist Lynne was recognised for her outstanding work in improving
ship working with Disability Officers and successfully bid to Sports Wales for a grant to support ongoing groups. Zoe has enabled 30 children to learn to ride their bike and her efforts and skills have significantly contributed to the children’s lives.
the lives of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Lynne worked in partnership with the independent sector to plan and deliver a rolling programme of structured education to health care professionals in care home settings which aimed to address the specific care needs of those with Parkinson’s. To date 60 care home staff have been trained, with positive changes made to working practice, including effective medicines management.
Patients’ Choice Winners: Kathryn Doughton
and Sarah Morgan-Jones, Patient Experience and Bethan Lewis, senior nurse surgery were recognised for their ongoing support of a 24-year old patient with profound disabilities, and her family. “The work that these ladies have done has been outstanding,” said the patient’s mum in nominating the three for an award. They have arranged meetings with key staff members so that communication can be improved. They have addressed all of my concerns whilst being professional but also showing great empathy for our situation. “I cannot emphasise the difference they have had on our lives. The positive impact that their care and hard work has accomplished cannot be put into words.”
Team of the Year Winner: Unscheduled Care – Focus on Flow
The aim of the “Focus on Flow” project was to identify the blockages and delays in the hospital system and identify ways to speed up the flow of patients through
the system by identifying key measures for improvement. The success very much depended on a whole system approach from pre hospital assessment through to the point of discharge. Numerous initiatives were implemented including work with the WAST, in the acute and community hospital, with the @home services and with our partners. Listening to those who receive the service and work within the process is fundamental if any change is going to be successful and feedback on any intervention ensures staff engagement and long-term success and sustainability. We have received positive feedback from many staff and it is true to say that “Team working allows ordinary people to create extraordinary things”.
CWM TAF ‘STARS’
Occupational Therapy Technician, Zoe Williams has been passionate about developing services to help children with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) to learn basic skills in order to access leisure activities within their communities. Zoe initiated the first bike group in August 2010, pursuing partner-
Welsh Language officer, Gareth Davies has worked tirelessly promoting the Welsh language in the health board since its establishment and before that as part of the former health board. Michelle Hughes, a member of the ward based catering team in Dewi Sant hospital regularly attracts comments from staff and visitors regarding her manner and style of service. Gwenan Roberts, Head of Organisational Development is extremely committed to delivering the best for the organisation and is a true enabler, motivator and supporter of others, for whom she goes the extra mile. Gwenan has a great
communication style and is truly a positive role model for those around her. Doug Proctor and Tina O’Neill (joint award for their work with the mediation service) The ‘Resolve’ Mediation Service has been in place since 2008 and both Doug Proctor and Tina
“This event is our chance in Cwm Taf to publicly recognise the outstanding efforts that individual staff members are making to improve patients’ lives and experiences, and to celebrate the great work that is going on across the Health Board.”
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O’Neill have played an active role within the service, not just undertaking the role of a mediator but also promoting and enhancing the service. Alan Pugh, Union Convener Alan started work in Mid Glamorgan Health Authority as a store man in St Tydfil’s Hospital in 1975. Within a few years he moved on to work in Theatres where in 1981 he was elected as a NUPE steward for the department. In all this time he has been a champion for staff ensuring that they are treated equally and with dignity.
Special Achievement Award
Full list of winners Leadership
Winner: Kath McGrath, Assistant Director of Operations (Unscheduled Care)
Improving the Patient Experience
Winner: Lynne Greenhill, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Sustainability and Improvement
Winners: Cwm Taf Stroke Implementation Group Ruth Friel, Senior Midwife Unscheduled Care Team and Joint Emergency Therapy Team (JETT)
Health and Wellbeing at Work Winner: Resolve Mediation Service
Patients’ Choice
Winners: Kathryn Doughton, Sarah Morgan-Jones and Bethan Lewis
Partnership
Winners: Housing and Health Working Group (Public Health and Partnership) Development of a Multi Agency Training Pack (Partnership)
Supportive Colleague
This special award was Winner: Roberto Spagna, Biomedical scientist presented Major TeCwm Taf Stars resa Levett, Captain Winners: Gareth Davies, Welsh Language Officer Philip Thomas and Zoe Williams, Occupational Therapy Technician Corporal Leighton Michelle Hughes, member of the ward-based catering team in Dewi Sant hospital Davies to recognise Gwenan Roberts, Head of Organisational Development their contribution to Doug Proctor and Tina O’Neill (joint award for their work with the mediaMilitary Medical Op- tion service) Alan Pugh – Union Convener erations worldwide and as members of the Team of the Year Winner: Unscheduled Care – Focus on Flow Army Reserve. For profiles of all the winners click here.
Special Achievement Award
Major Teresa Levett, Captain Philip Thomas and Corporal Leighton Davies for their contribution to Military Medical Operations worldwide and as members of the Army Reserve
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BOARD NEWS Cwm Taf University Health Board held its latest public board meeting on May 7, 2014 at Ynysmeurig House, Abercynon. This briefing sets out the key areas of discussion and aims to ensure everyone is kept up to date with what’s happening in Cwm Taf. The full board papers for the May meeting are available here.
Three year integrated plan 2014 - 2017
The three year integrated plan describes how the health board will maintain and improve the quality and safety of its services between 2014 and 2017 whilst also reducing costs by 5.5% in each of those
Older person’s mental health services – engagement exercise
The health board has been working to improve mental health services for all adults living in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cy-
“This is a very significant piece of work which will set the direction for us over the next three years and beyond.” years to meet its financial challenges. Dr Chris Jones, chairman at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said: “This is a very significant piece of work which will set the direction for us over the next three years and beyond.” Allison Williams, chief executive at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said: “Today, Health Minister, Mark Drakeford approved our three year plan. “It’s recognised as being ambitious and challenging as is expected of a mature NHS organisation. We will continue to work closely with our communities and our staff as we implement the plan” For more details of the plan see page 11. page 7
non Taf as identified in its 5 year strategic framework for mental health which was approved in 2011. The health board has already therefore made significant improvement to mental health services for people of working age and now wishes to extend this model of care to mental health services for older people. Following an extensive engagement process, which has included the Community Health Council, the board approved the proposals which will enhance existing services to benefit older people. To read the paper in full click here.
Stroke delivery plan
The Cwm Taf local stroke delivery plan sets out actions to improve
outcomes in the following key areas between now and 2016: • Preventing stroke - People live a healthy lifestyle, make healthy choices and minimise risk of stroke • Detecting stroke quickly Stroke is detected quickly where it does occur or recur • Delivering fast, effective care - People receive fast, effective treatment and care so they have the best chance of living a long and healthy life • Supporting life after stroke People are placed at the centre of stroke care with their individual needs identified and met so they feel well supported and informed, and able to manage the effects of stroke • Improving Information - patients and carers have timely access to information about their condition, treatment, care and support available; and stroke services manage information effectively to monitor performance and inform service change • Targeting research - foster a strong culture of research to support ongoing improvements in patient outcomes The board also agreed to progress service redesign proposals in order to improve the outcomes for patients presenting with an acute stroke. To read the paper in full click here.
Cancer delivery plan
The plan sets out action to improve outcomes in the following key areas between now and 2016: • Preventing Cancer - People live a healthy lifestyle, make
• •
•
•
• •
healthy choices and minimise risk of cancer Detecting Cancer Quickly – Cancer is detected quickly where it does occur or recur Delivering fast, effective treatment and care – so people have the best chance of a cure Meeting people’s needs – People are placed at the heart of cancer with their individual needs identified and met so they feel well supported and informed, and able to manage the effects of cancer Caring at the end of life – People approaching the end of life feel well cared for and pain and symptom free Improving information Targeting research
To read the paper in full click here.
identified issues with the poor quality of case note record keeping, which was also impacting on the coding of treatment which influences RAMI, from the acute hospital inpatient deaths reviewed over the last year, there was no evidence to suggest that avoidable mortality is the explanation for high Risk Adjusted Mortality Index (RAMI) scores in our acute hospitals. To read the paper in full click here.
Finance
Welsh Government required the health board to do everything possible to deliver a year-end break-even position for 2013-14 and; at the very least, to deliver an in year deficit no worse than £3.9m.
The health board reported a surplus of £1.0m in month 12 bringing the actual year to date deficit to £3.9m. An overview of the health board’s financial plan for 2014/15 to 2016/17 was presented which highlighted the key assumptions for the next three years. Steve Webster, finance director at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said: “We have succeeded in reducing the year end deficit to meet the £3.9m maximum deficit target set by the minister. ”In addition, Welsh Government has agreed to provide £3.9m of repayable brokerage to Cwm Taf enabling break-even to be achieved. “Draft accounts have been sub-
Older peoples commissioner report – dignified care?
The board received an update on progress against the older peoples commissioner report – dignified care? which had also recently been considered in detail at the quality and safety committee. Good progress was being made against the recommendations with an acknowledgement that more work was needed in some areas. To read the paper in full click here.
Learning and improving – mortality case note reviews
The board received a presentation and report from Dr Jason Shannon, consultant histophatholgist, who was leading the board’s work on mortality case note reviews. Whilst the review team’s work page 8
mitted for audit and these show a surplus of £16,000. “We now have a savings target of £23m to focus on for 2014/15. At the same time, we will be investing £3m this year in improving services and prioritising development plans.” To read the paper in full click here.
Performance
The integrated performance dashboard contained in this month’s board papers brings together indicators and targets related to the health board’s core business, including quality, performance,
84.6% of ambulance handovers within 15 minutes
finance and workforce. Some highlights include: Unscheduled care – In March, performance against the 4 hour wait in A&E was 90.2% with 46 patients waiting in excess of 12 hours. This represents an improvement of 5% against the February performance of 85.16% within 4 hours, a reduction of 67 patients waiting in excess of 12 hours
disappointing when compared to the sustained improvements in hand over rates. Referral to treatment times – Performance against the RTT target continues to be in line with the improvement trajectory submitted by the health board to Welsh Government in July 2013. The provisional position for the end of year show that there were 0 patients waiting over 52 weeks and 638 patients waiting over 36 weeks, a significant improvement on the 1364 patients reported at the end of January, and improvement on our projected year end. The challenge for the board is to sustain improvement and eliminate over 36 week waits by the end of November 2014. Cancer 31 and 62 Day target – Neither the 31 day nor the 62 day targets were achieved for February. There were two patients whose treatment was delivered outside of the 31 day target, which gave a performance of 97.8%. One patient was treated at Cwm Taf on day 44 and one at UHW on day 32. The board noted further actions being taken to improve performance. The full performance dashboard is available here.
South Wales Programme
Emergency ambulance services 84.6% handover of patients within 15 minutes was reported, with 98.1% handover within one hour (5 ambulance handovers were not achieved within one hour).
The work of the South Wales Programme, as initially established is now complete. Work is underway to establish the acute care alliances, which will be the vehicle for implementing agreed changes resulting from the consultation.
Category A response times performance for March improved slightly to 45.4% from 42.9% in February. However, this remains
Cwm Taf will be a partner in the South Central Alliance (together with Cardiff and Vale UHB and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg UHB
page 9
in respect of Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend). Close working with Powys LHB and with Aneurin Bevan UHB on services for the Heads of the Valleys populations will also form part of the next phase of our work moving forward. Arrangements are also being finalised for all the South and Mid Wales Health Boards to work together on opportunities for wider collaboration over and above that which sits within the Alliances. The related governance arrangements will be shared with Board members as this work progresses. Allison Williams, chief executive at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said: “There have been ongoing discussions with our Community Health Council, and where further assurance has been sought from the health board, this has been provided. There are a number of issues of assurance raised by the CHC which are not within the remit of the health board and these were being raised with the Welsh Government” The board noted that whilst the CHC was seeking further assurance on related issues, they had not yet submitted a referral to the Health Minister, but reserved the right to do so. To read the full update click here. The chairman of the Board thanked Mr Mel Jehu, chairman of the CHC, who was attending his last Board meeting in that capacity and also recorded its thanks to Mr Jeff Morgan, vice chair of the CHC whose term of office had also ended.
Abuse of NHS staff - we will prosecute Zero tolerance stance towards all abusive and disrespectful behaviour VERBALLY and physically abusive patients and visitors are being warned they face prosecution if they attack NHS staff. Cwm Taf University Health Board has a zero tolerance stance towards all abusive and disrespectful behaviour and it will take action against perpetrators. Since January 1 2014, four people have been prosecuted through the courts for abusive or aggressive behaviour towards NHS staff in the Cwm Taf area. In the latest cases, a woman who used abusive and threatening behaviour towards staff working in Prince Charles Hospital’s
Emergency Care Centre was fined £215.
who are verbally or physically abusive against our staff.”
Jane Howarth (pictured left) of Plane Grove, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to the incident when she appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court.
Since the beginning of the year, Cwm Taf University Health Board also submitted 39 anti-social behaviour referrals to Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil community safety partnerships as a result of abusive or aggressive behaviour.
James Morgan (pictured right) of Maxton Court, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to being verbally abusive and threatening towards staff at the Emergency Care Centre in Prince Charles Hospital. He was given a 12 month condition discharge and fined £100.
In addition, five warning markers were placed on patients’ records to warn staff of the potential risk of violence from a patient. Patients were written to advise them of their unacceptable behaviour.
Dave Lewis, Cwm Taf University Health Board’s violence and aggression case manager, said: “These successful recent prosecutions once again demonstrate that we will take action against people page 10
The plan describes how we will maintain and improve the quality and safety of our services between 2014 and 2017 whilst also reducing costs by 5.5%
page 11
Cwm Taf University Health Board’s three year plan for 2014-2017 April saw the launch of Cwm Taf University Health Board’s first three-year integrated plan. The plan describes how we will maintain and improve the quality and safety of our services between 2014 and 2017 whilst also reducing costs by 5.5% in each of those years to meet the financial challenges we face. This challenge is faced by all Health Boards within NHS Wales, so each will have its own plan. Cwm Taf University Health Board was amongst the first Health Boards to have its plan approved by Welsh Government as being robust and fit for purpose. We have also produced a high-level summary of the main points of the three-year plan. The plan includes a chance to reflect on the achievements of the last year and on the opportunities and challenges ahead. The past 12 months have seen scrutiny and significant financial challenges in the NHS in Wales, and the UK as a whole, on an unprecedented scale. We will also face many challenges over the coming years with growth in our population need, increased costs and significant resource constraints. The next three years will be particularly challenging with further real terms reductions in resource allocations over this period. This
will present the most significant challenge of this type that the University Health Board has faced to date. The achievement of a balanced financial plan over the three years of the plan assumes we will meet a savings requirement of £71m. At the same time, we must continue to ensure that we provide safe and efficient care in the most appropriate location, delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients, by well trained staff who feel supported and valued. The Plan looks to bring all of these complex and important
which we can deliver for the benefit of our population, where compassionate care can flourish and where all staff feel cared for, no matter what budgetary and performance challenges we face. In order to meet such a challenge, while also best addressing the healthcare needs of our local population, we are committed to radically redesigning both systems and services in order to ensure that the best value is achieved from our resources. Systems will be better developed to understand the key drivers that affect financial performance and
The next three years will be particularly challenging with further real terms reductions in resource allocations over this period. This will present the most significant challenge of this type that the University Health Board has faced to date. factors into balance. Change is therefore inevitable, but we believe that although this won’t be an easy journey, it brings with it the opportunity for development and improvement for our patients, our workforce and our partners. The publication of the Francis report (the review of Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust) was a bleak and difficult time for each and every one of us working in the NHS. The challenge for people in leadership positions in Cwm Taf is to create a culture and a plan,
deliver change that secures safety, clinical and financial sustainability for the future. We are determined that by implementing our transformation programme and by working closely with our partners that we will maximise the resources available to us to ensure that we can continue to deliver safe and effective services to the population of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff. Working together has never been as important and is essential if we are to make our vision a reality. page 12
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Dyddiad terfyn 31 Gorffennaf 2014
Cut off date 31 July 2014
ar gyfer ôl-hawliadau gofal iechyd parhaus y GIG ar gyfer y cyfnod 1 Ebrill 2003 i 31 Gorffennaf 2013
for retrospective continuing NHS health care claims relating to the period 1 April 2003 to 31 July 2013
Pecyn gwasanaethau yw Gofal Iechyd Parhaus y GIG ar gyfer y bobl hynny lle mae natur, cymhlethdod, dwyster a natur anrhagweladwy eu hanghenion iechyd yn golygu bod angen i’r GIG drefnu a thalu amdanynt yn llwyr.
Continuing NHS Healthcare (CHC) is a package of services for those people whose health needs are of such a nature, complexity, intensity and unpredictability that they need to be arranged and funded solely by the NHS.
Gallwch chi hawlio os ydych chi’n meddwl eich bod chi neu rywun rydych chi’n gofalu amdano wedi bod yn gymwys i gael Gofal Iechyd Parhaus y GIG ond wedi talu am eu holl ofal, neu ran ohono.
You may be able to submit a claim if you think that you or someone you care for may have been eligible for CHC but paid for all, or part, of their care.
Os ydych chi’n meddwl eich bod chi neu rywun rydych chi’n gofalu amdano yn gymwys am unrhyw gyfnod rhwng 1 Ebrill 2003 a 31 Gorffennaf 2013, mae’n rhaid i chi gofrestru eich bwriad i hawlio erbyn 31 Gorffennaf 2014.
If you believe that you or someone you care for may be have been eligible for any period between 1 April 2003 and 31 July 2013, you have until 31 July 2014 to register your intent to claim.
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, ewch i’n gwefan / Further information please visit our website:
www.wales.nhs.uk/ol-hawliad / www.wales.nhs.uk/retrospective-claims Neu cysylltwch â’r Llinell Gymorth / Or contact the Helpline:
Llinell / Line 2 – 07792 129703 Llinell / Line 4 – 07805 811637
Noder nad yw’n ofynnol i benodi cyfreithiwr nac Asiantaeth Hawliadau i hawlio ar eich rhan. Please note that there is no requirement to appoint a solicitor or Claims Agency to submit the claim on your behalf.
WG21785
Llinell / Line 1 – 07817 885171 Llinell / Line 3 – 07805 811630
‘Add to Your Life’ with a free health and wellbeing self-assessment
A free NHS Wales health and wellbeing assessment was launched at the end of April for people who are 50 or over in Wales an estimated 38 per cent of the Welsh population. The service was trialled in Merthyr Tydfil Central and Rhondda Cynon Taf (Upper Rhondda Fawr) as part of a test period in Communities First clusters. Addtoyourlife.co.uk is a confidential and easy-to-use self-assessment which can be undertaken online or by telephone. It provides a valuable opportunity for
people to get an overall picture of their health and wellbeing. It will support them to make positive changes in many areas of their life in small achievable steps. The service provides tailored health and wellbeing information, advice, and signposting to sources of support in response to the answers they provide in the self-assessment. ‘Add to Your Life’ can be accessed from any device that connects to the internet, like a computer, smart phone, or tablet computer. Targeted community support will also be available via Communities First, Age Cymru and NHS Direct Wales.
The service has been developed by Public Health Wales and the NHS Wales Informatics Service on behalf of the Welsh Government. A large number of charities and other organisations have also been involved in developing the service. Executive Director of Public Health for Cwm Taf University Health Board, Nicola John, said: “This is an innovative new service which will help people who are 50 or over in Wales to take control of their own health and wellbeing and work toward their goals for improving this. It will assist them to get a picture of their health, and provide support for them to make manageable steps towards page 14
change. “The service has been developed with the involvement of a wide variety of charities and other organisations, and brings together lots of practical information on health and wellbeing into one place.” Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey, said: “As people
said: “We are delighted to introduce this new service for people who are 50 and over in Wales. “Add to Your Life is a chance to get an overview of your health and wellbeing, in your own time and in a place that suits you. You can find out about the small steps you can take that could make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.
“As people get older, they are more at risk of developing cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and other long term conditions. get older, they are more at risk of developing cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and other long term conditions. “The earlier risk is detected, the greater the chances of taking action to prevent that risk from becoming a reality. “Add to Your Life provides high quality advice on a range of health and social issues which can be tailored to peoples circumstances. It will also help improve access to the most effective public health services and sources of support. This is a real chance for people to be better informed to look after their own health and wellbeing. “Add to Your Life is also part of a greater shift in emphasis in health services in Wales from focusing solely on treating illness to a greater focus on improving and protecting health for all.” Su Mably, Consultant in Public Health from Public Health Wales, page 15
“It brings together information from health experts and charities across a wide range of health and wellbeing topics into one place, and it can be accessed by anyone for free.” Andrew Griffiths, Chief Information Officer for Health at the NHS Wales Informatics Service, said: “We have been pleased to develop this new service in collaboration with Public Health Wales. The NHS doesn’t stand still and the way that services are delivered is constantly adapting. “This new service is one of the many ways technology is being used to improve the quality of services for patients.”
Victoria Lloyd, Director of Influencing and Programme Development at Age Cymru, said: “Age Cymru has been thrilled to support the development of the Add to Your Life service as healthy ageing programmes are a vital part of our work with older people. “The Add to Your Life service now provides a trusted, helpful portal to signpost people to good quality health advice, support services and activities. “Age Cymru looks forward to continuing to support this service through recruiting and training volunteers to help people over 50 to access the website and advice.” Everyone in Wales turning 50 will be invited by post to complete the assessment. Add to your life is also open to anyone over 50 at www.addtoyourlife.co.uk Some Communities First clusters across Wales and Age Cymru healthy aging volunteers have been finding out what the public thinks about the service in their communities since October 2013. This process has helped the service to be developed to meet the needs of people across Wales. There are an estimated 1,177,000 people who are 50 or over in Wales.
“Add to Your Life provides high quality advice on a range of health and social issues which can be tailored to peoples circumstances.
Intensive Care Unit benefits from family fund raising A fund raising event has been held in memory of Aberfan local resident Michael Hughes. Sadly Michael, 53, passed away in the intensive care unit at Prince Charles Hospital in April 2013. His son Lewis, 24 along with Aberfan Social Club steward Adrian Hughes, arranged a pool marathon lasting 24 hours on November 13 in the Aberfan Social Club to raise funds for the unit. Speaking about the care his father received Lewis said: “We are very grateful for the very special care my father received from the truly dedicated team of staff at the hospital. “The compassion shown and support given to my family at this time was outstanding, knowing my father was being treated with dignity and respect was a great comfort to us all.
We will always be eternally grateful to you all.” The tournament began at 6pm on a Friday evening and members of the club’s two pool teams took part along with a few friends. Michael’s wife, Susan, 50, son Thomas, 19 and other family members were there to support the players. After 24 long hours and numerous games of pool, the winner was finally announced. Michael Hughes received the trophy from Lewis Hughes and steward Adrian Hughes Sponsor forms were completed and buckets were filled and the total raised came to a whopping £2,500. A presentation was made by the family to the staff of the unit at Prince Charles Hospital in April.
Helen Kearney, senior nurse critical care said: “On behalf of the staff of intensive care, we are very grateful to Mrs Hughes and her family for the donation of £2,500 to the unit. “We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the family. The staff very much appreciate the donation which enables us to ensure our high standards of patient care are continuously maintained.” As the event was so successful, it is anticipated that the tournament will now be held annually in memory of Mr Hughes. The family would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated so generously and to all who took part including Green King brewery who paid for the trophies, Lewis caterers for donating the food and also to the committee of Aberfan social club for funding the pool games. page 16
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