Bronglais children's ward still open 24/7

28 October 2024

Appendicitis, wheezes and asthma, some nasty diarrhoea and vomiting bugs and viral infections, these are just some examples of the care provided at Bronglais children's ward during the last fortnight.

And care and treatment such as this will continue to be delivered from Angharad Ward, at the Aberystwyth hospital, when temporary changes (for up to six months) come into place from Friday 1 November 2024.

Dr Prem Kumar Pitchaikani Clinical Director, Women & Children's Directorate and Consultant Paediatrician at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: "We want to reassure our community and our staff that the children's ward at Bronglais remains open and will continue to care for the vast majority of children 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The temporary change will mean for a period we will transfer more complex cases, where children may need to be in hospital for longer lengths of time, to Glanwgili Hospital in Carmarthen.

“However, most children and young people will continue to be cared for from Bronglais and families should continue to use health services as they do now. Any decision to transfer children will be made by the clinical team in conjunction with families.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board agreed, at a meeting in September 2024, that children who need more complex care and longer stays in hospital, will be transferred to Glangwili Hospital for up to six months.

This is needed due to temporary pressures in paediatric nursing staffing at Bronglais Hospital.

It was originally thought children needing more than 24 hours care would be transferred by ambulance to Carmarthen, but this has now been extended to those likely needing 36 hours or more of inpatient care. All cases will be clinically risk assessed for transfer and decisions will be made with families.

Acute Paediatric and Neonatal Service Manager Nick Davies said: “There is a temporary reduction in paediatric nursing staff at Bronglais Hospital, that has resulted in this temporary change in the interests of patient safety.

“However, we are in active recruitment and hope to be able to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

“In the meantime, paediatric hospital services continue at Bronglais Hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit, where children can be assessed and treated, as well as shorter term inpatients, stabilisation, and surgical treatment.”

The change is expected to affect fewer than four children or young people and their families per month.

People are asked to use health services for children as usual, including attending at Bronglais A&E when required, or attending at the PACU when advised by a GP, as transfers will only be made when necessary and these will be arranged by paediatric staff in liaison with families.