Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Stroke specialist nurses from Bronglais Hospital and Ceredigion’s Life after Stroke coordinator held a dedicated stand at Morrison’s supermarket in Aberystwyth this week to support a national awareness-raising campaign. The ‘Lower your risk of stroke’ stand was held in the entrance to the supermarket on Wednesday 8 March, offering blood pressure checks, pulse checks and stroke primary prevention advice and information. Overall the team provided stroke prevention advice to over 40 people and provided blood pressure and pulse checks for 39 people, of which 12 were referred onto their GP for further assessment. In Wales more than 7,000 people have a stroke each year and it is one of the leading causes of severe adult disability. There are over 65,100 people in Wales and 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. By taking action on three of the biggest stroke risk factors, the number of strokes across Wales could be reduced by up to 50%. The campaign asks people to ...

A Carmarthenshire photographer affected by a stroke is urging people to put their best foot forward for a charity walk at Llanelli Beach. Stroke victim Andrew Davies hopes as many people as possible sign up to Step Out For Stroke 2016 which takes place on Sunday, June 26 at North Dock’s Millennium Coastal Park. The 47-year-old, was struck down by the third biggest killer out of the blue in 2013. Two years on the dad of one who still uses walking sticks to get about said: “It’s had a devastating effect on me and my family as I was the breadwinner and could no longer do the job I loved. I also loved to take part in running marathons and would regularly train on the coastal path but I can no longer do this either. Believe me, this disease can strike anyone at anytime and I urge as many people as possible to sign up and raise as much money as possible for The Stroke Association who are supporting me through my recovery journey.” The aim of the one mile walking event is to raise funds an...

Dr Phil Jones, Consultant Physician at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, has been appointed as Wales’ first national clinical lead for stroke services. As national clinical lead, he will work with the Welsh Government and NHS Wales to take forward and oversee the continued implementation of the Stroke Delivery Plan and lead improvements in stroke care across Wales. Dr Jones is a consultant physician with an interest in care of the elderly and sub-specialty interests in neurology and rehabilitation. Health Minister Mark Drakeford Professor Drakeford said: “I’m very pleased to confirm the appointment of Dr Jones as the first national clinical lead for stroke care. “Dr Jones has considerable experience in his field and I look forward to working with him as he provides clinical leadership to transform stroke services in Wales so we improve services for the better.” Dr Jones, said: “Stroke services in Wales have improved measurably over the last few years but there is still more we can d...

Patients are arriving too late at hospital to receive the most promising treatment after a stroke, a Hywel Dda doctor has warned. Only 43% of patients who suffered a stroke in Carmarthenshire in 2012 got to a hospital in time to benefit from thrombolysis. Available 24/7 at Glangwili and Prince Philip Hospitals, thrombolysis treatment is only effective within 4.5hrs of having a stroke. Dr Granville Morris, Consultant Physician at Prince Philip Hospital, said: “Patients with an acute stroke are not accessing the emergency help available to them quick enough and are losing out on the clot buster treatment. “If someone appears to have a stroke according to the FAST protocol, Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 999, then please call an ambulance immediately.” A delay in getting help can reduce the chances of a full recovery, long-term disabilities or even death. Think FAST, never delay.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Lighting the way for Bronglais Patients An Olympic torchbearer returned to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth to celebrate his once in a lifetime experience with those who helped nurse him back to health. Richard ‘Richie’ Denyer, 60, from Aberystwyth, ran his part of the 70 day, UK-wide Olympic Torch relay through Brynhoffnant in Ceredigion. A remarkable achievement as Richie suffered a stroke in 2001 whilst riding a motorbike, leaving him severely injured and wheelchair bound.  He was admitted to Bronglais Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he spent 28 days before he could be moved onto a ward.