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Also known as emergency department or ED. This is the part of a hospital where people go when they are ill or injured and need treatment quickly.
The academy provides an excellent opportunity if you are looking to join the NHS. This is a structured work-based learning programme. You will be able to learn while you earn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
These are inpatient facilities to assess and treat those in an acute phase of mental illness or high risk of harm to self or others.
The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines and vaccines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.
A clinical coder who has passed the national clinical coding qualification (NCCQ). Clinical coders are responsible for converting patient information into universal codes. These codes are then used to plan services.
Patients are admitted directly from the A&E department. These patients may require further investigations, procedures, and stabilisation before being transferred to the most appropriate ward or hospital or being discharged home.
Acute care is the medical and surgical treatment provided by a hospital.
This is an online health-check, which provides assessment and community-based support to enable over 50s in Wales to assess and improve their own health.
Means staying at a hospital for at least one night or more.
These are the number of cases of a specific illness or disease that are treated in hospitals, compared to the population of a geographical area. For example, 0.01% of the population were admitted to hospital.
Association of Directors of Social Services Wales. The leadership organisation for social services in Wales. ADSS Cymru represents the collective, authoritative voice of directors of social services, heads of adult services, children’s services and business services in Wales. It also covers professionals who support vulnerable children, adults, and their families.
This is a voluntary process of discussion about future care between an individual and all their care providers. It is recommended, with the individual’s agreement, that this discussion is documented, regularly reviewed, updated, and communicated to key people involved in their care.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 gives people in England and Wales a statutory right to refuse treatment, through an ‘advance decision’. This allows a person to say what forms of treatment they would or would not like should they become unable to decide for themselves. It is a binding decision.
Advocacy supports and enables people who have difficulty representing their interests to exercise their rights, express their views and make informed choices about their care.
AE is any undesirable experience associated with the use of a medical product in a patient.
The current grading and pay system for all NHS staff, except for doctors, dentists, and some senior managers.
We have approved this strategy to guide our health and care through the next 20 years so we and future generations can live well. You can find out more by visiting our healthier mid and west Wales pages here (opens in new tab).
The term used to describe therapists, chiropodists, dietitians, occupational therapists, orthoptists, paramedics, physiotherapists, prosthetists, psychologists, psychotherapists, radiographers, and speech and language therapists, among others.
Children and young people with additional learning needs may need more support to learn than most children and young people of the same age. Some may have a disability and for some English may not be their first language. About one in five children and young people may have additional learning needs at some time.
The ALNET Act 2018 sets out a legal framework for supporting children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN). The act covers children from birth, while they are in school, and if they are over compulsory school age, while they are in further education. The act, and the new framework it creates, replaces the separate legislation and arrangements in Wales.
This department offers a range of inpatient and community mental health services across our health board.
The independent body in the UK representing the diversity of medical science.
The ANP’s role includes assessing the patient, making a diagnosis, and ordering relevant investigations, providing treatment (including prescribing), and admitting or discharging patients.
The association aims to progress of knowledge in electrophysiological techniques. Neurological electrophysiological techniques are the recording of neurons in the brain and nervous system.
Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots. They are given to people at a high risk of getting clots. They reduce the patients chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
This is the professional leadership body for pharmacy technicians throughout the UK.
All health boards and NHS trusts publish an AQS. The AQS enables the organisation to show what it is doing to ensure all its services are meeting local needs and reaching high standards. An AQS is also published by NHS Wales.
ARCH is a regional partnership made up of Swansea University, Swansea Bay University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board. The ARCH partners work to improve the health, wealth, and well-being of the people of South West Wales.
ARCP supports clinical research professionals with membership, training, and development. This is a worldwide organisation set up in 1976.
This is an advisory non-departmental public body of the government of the United Kingdom. They advise the licensing authorities on applications from practitioners, employers and researchers who want to use radioactive substances on people. ARSAC works with the Department of Health and Social Care.
This is a neurodevelopment disorder that causes a wide range of impairments in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours.
Units for the treatment of people who have or may have had a stroke.
If a person is asymptomatic it means they are showing no symptoms of disease. A person infected with a virus can be asymptomatic because they are in an early stage of infection and symptoms have not yet developed yet. They may also not develop any symptoms at all during their infection.
The science concerned with the sense of hearing, especially in the evaluation and measurement of hearing loss and the rehabilitation of those with impaired hearing.
Audit Wales is the trademark of two legal entities, the Auditor General for Wales, and the Wales Audit Office. Each has its own powers and duties. The Auditor General audits and reports on Welsh public bodies. The Wales Audit Office provides staff and other resources for the Auditor General’s work and monitors and advises the Auditor General. Audit Wales’ aim is to ensure that public money is being managed wisely and that public bodies in Wales understand how to improve outcomes.
A community hospital in Ammanford that provides inpatient and outpatient services. You can find out more about Amman Valley hospital here (opens in new tab).
The group’s main function is to advise the Welsh Government on future developments in healthcare and to help in its strategic planning. The group also advises the Welsh Government on the development and implementation of a prescribing strategy for Wales. They also develop prompt, independent, and authoritative advice on new medicines.
The professional organisation for art therapists in the UK. It works to promote art therapy and provides professional support and advice to its members.
These are viruses that some people carry in their blood and can be spread from one person to another.
This is one of our main hospital sites. It is in Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. You can find out more about the services offered at Bronglais hospital here (opens in new tab).
Formerly known as Heart Rhythm UK. Dedicated to improving all aspects of arrhythmia care and electrical device based therapies along with acting as a focus for those professionals involved.
A machine which measures the blood gases.
A blood test to check the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity which may be done several times a day.
The board is the corporate, decision-making body of an NHS organisation. Its role is to:
Membership of the board includes:
The board secretary acts as the guardian of good governance. The board secretary provides advice to the board on all aspects of governance. They ensure the effective conduct of health board business through its meetings, advisory groups and committees.
They ensure board members have the right information to enable them to make informed decisions. They also monitor the organisation’s compliance with the law, standing orders and the governance and accountability framework set by the Welsh Government.
The purpose of BOPA, which is a registered charity, is to promote excellence in the pharmaceutical care of patients with cancer. They do this through education, communication, research, and innovation by an alliance in the pharmaceutical industry and other healthcare professionals.
The BSI share knowledge, innovation, and best practice to help people and organisations make excellence a habit. They are also the national standards body through a Royal Charter.
The most common form of sign language in Britain. BSL is the preferred language of around 145,000 people within the UK.
Is an additional service to usual UK National Health Service (NHS) care. It is a multi-professional integrated service that combines respiratory, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and palliative care assessment and management.
A network of independent charities offering confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
A caldicott guardian is a senior person responsible for protecting the confidentiality of patient and service-user information and enabling appropriate information-sharing. The guardian plays a key role in ensuring that the NHS, councils and partner organisations comply with the highest practicable standards for handling patient information.
Mental health helpline for Wales. They offer a confidential listening and support service.
Telephone: 0800132737
Text: 81066
This is the waste gas eliminated by the lungs.
To improve the person-centred nature of care, commissioners and service planners try to understand how patients experience their care. They look at the process from prevention to diagnosis and assessment, to treatment and where appropriate, to palliative care. This normally involves mapping the journey and the experience using a range of techniques with patients, clinicians, and managers.
This journey is described as a care pathway. Service planners aim to improve the flow of patients along this pathway by reducing inefficiencies and improving reliability.
Care plans bring together all the information about the individual into a single, overarching care plan produced by health and social services. This can be a written document or an electronic one, For example, as an electronic care plan or recorded in the patient’s notes. This is accessible to the patient and all carers, including emergency / urgent care services. Care plans should focus on the aspirations of the patient.
Someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help.
Case management is the process of planning, co-ordinating, managing and reviewing the care of an individual.
Used to empty a patient's bladder.
Intensive Care Units can be referred to by various names which mean the same thing. For example, Critical Care Unit (CCU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU). The unit cares patients with acute illness or injury that require specialised procedures and treatments by specialised staff.
They provide a service for people experiencing problems with substance misuse. Find out more about our CDAT here (opens in new tab).
Clostridium difficile. A type of bacteria that can cause diarrhoea.
Leads the dental profession in Wales and is responsible for:
A short stay unit within A&E. It is for people who need more clinical care, but don’t need to be admitted to hospital.
An independent professional association of emergency physicians, which sets standards of training and administers examinations for emergency medicine.
A line is inserted into the patient for liquids or drugs to be passed into their veins.
An estimate of the risk of mortality from a contagious disease. The CFR is calculated by dividing the number of deaths caused by a disease by the number of cases of that disease. Many different factors can influence the CFR, such as speed of diagnosis of cases, health system capacity, age, and other demographic characteristics, among others.
Support for patients and their families. You can find out more about our chaplaincy services here (opens in new tab).
An abnormality in the heart that presents at birth.
The chief executive is the organisation’s accountable officer and reports to the board.
The national voice for children and young people in Wales. Their role is to influence government policies that affect children’s services in Wales and stand up for the rights of children and young people.
Enables accredited community pharmacists to provide consultation and treatment for a defined list of 26 common ailments.
The aim of the child health clinical outcome review programme is to assess the quality of healthcare being provided to patients across the UK.
On-going pain or condition.
A disease, condition or health problem which persists over a long period of time. Examples include arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among others.
CIW is the regulator for social care and social services in Wales, from child minders and nurseries to homes for older people. CIW is responsible for inspecting social care and social services to ensure they are safe for the people who need them.
The systematic, critical analysis of the quality of patient care, including the procedures used for diagnosis and treatment, the use of resources and the resulting outcome and quality of life for the patient.
The involvement of clinicians in decision-making about patient care. As a group with unique insight into patient needs, clinicians’ input is essential in finding solutions to clinical problems and guiding change. Service change imposed without clinical engagement is likely to be ineffective.
A framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care.
Groups of health professionals from primary, secondary and tertiary care. Clinical networks are not limited by boundaries and seek to ensure the equitable provision of high quality and clinically effective services.
Standardised, evidence-based multi-disciplinary management plans that identify an appropriate sequence of clinical interventions, timeframes, milestones, and expected outcomes for a homogenous patient group.
A healthcare professional that works as a primary care giver in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, clinic, or patients’ home. This includes social workers, dieticians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and chiropractors, among others.
A type of blood cancer.
This service is designed to improve patient care, by supporting you if you have problems with your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and/or sensitivity of the nervous system. You can find out more about our CMATS service here (opens in new tab).
A group of people from different health and social care professions who work in the community to help people recover from, and cope with, mental health conditions. You can find out more about our CMHTs here (opens in new tab).
The most senior government adviser on matters relating to health. There are four CMOs in the UK who are appointed to advise their respective Governments.
The head of the nursing and midwifery professions in Wales and as such sets the professional agenda and future direction for these professions.
This advanced nursing role combines duties of caring for patients and managing healthcare delivery.
Provides independent professional advice on eye health and optometric services.
Examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) using a colposcope.
The purchasing of NHS services to meet the health needs of a local population. Local Health Boards act as commissioners and the providers of NHS services in Wales.
Co-morbidity is the simultaneous presence of two or more health conditions or diseases in the same patient.
The process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent onward transmission.
NHS continuing healthcare is health and social care outside of hospital that is arranged and funded by the NHS. It is available for people who need ongoing healthcare and is sometimes called fully funded NHS care.
The name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
The NHS Wales Core Principles support good governance and help ensure the achievement of the highest possible quality in all that the NHS in Wales does. These are rooted in the prudent healthcare agenda.
The means by which boards lead and direct their organisations so that decision-making is effective, and the right outcomes are delivered.
The national standard for collecting cancer data in the NHS.
COSHH is a set of regulations put in place to protect workers from ill health when working with specific substances and materials.
An independent adviser to the Welsh Government on all matters related to medicines, prescribing and pharmacy practice.
The term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities.
Represents the 700 plus pharmacy owners in Wales. They are responsible for liaising with the Welsh Government and for negotiating the contractual terms for the provision of the NHS community pharmacy services.
This team acts as a gateway to inpatient services for those assessed as high risk. They can also provide intensive treatment at home as an alternative to admission.
Emergency mental health issues. If you are in crisis you can Visit NHS Wales 111 mental health service page (opens in new tab).
A specialty team which provides support for patients with acute life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
Part of the wider strategic programme to deliver better integrated care to people closer to their homes and in their communities. CRT services support people with multiple health and social care needs who are at risk of hospitalisation. They aim to improve the quality of life for people with complex health and social care needs, and to reduce avoidable admissions to hospital.
The professional lead for healthcare scientists in NHS Wales. They advise the Government and ministers on matters relating to health science. They are the sponsor for national programmes such as imaging, pathology, genomics, advanced therapeutic medicinal products and healthcare science.
Computerised Tomography. A CT scan is a test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It's usually used to diagnose conditions or check how well treatment is working.
CTAs promote community transport excellence through training, resources, publications, advice, events, consultancy, and project support on voluntary, community, and accessible transport. They amplify the collective efforts of community transport providers in building stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable communities through transportation, across the UK.
Provides professional advice relating to 13 allied health professions. These include art therapy; occupational therapy; dietetics; drama therapy; music therapy; paramedics; orthotics; orthoptics; physiotherapy; podiatry; prosthetics; psychology and speech and language therapy.
The teams consist of learning disability nurses, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech and language therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, behaviour practitioners and social workers. You can find out more about our CTLDs here (opens in new tab).
Digital Accessibility Standards. Making any form of digital communication accessible. This means making sure everything we publish digitally can be seen and used by as many people as possible.
The treatment and support of patients with inflammatory skin conditions.
This is a special health authority created in April 2021, to take forward the digital transformation needed for better health and care in Wales. They aim to make services more accessible and sustainable while supporting personal health and well-being.
They bring together industry, clinicians, policy makers, academics, innovators, and funders to create an environment of digital innovation in Welsh healthcare.
Provide nutritional care, support, education and advice.
An online service that aims to improve conversation between you and the team responsible for your care.
Formerly known as Informatics or IT Teams. They design, develop and operate digital and data services throughout the health board. These services support clinicians at work, help patients get better care, and use data to improve health and care within our wider community.
Cash payments that Local Authorities (LA) can make to individuals so that they can organise their own services to meet their social care needs. Direct payments offer an alternative to the LA arranging community care services on their behalf.
The point at which the patient leaves the hospital and either returns home or is transferred to another facility. This could be a facility for rehabilitation or to a nursing home.
It's sometimes called DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation) or DNR (do not resuscitate) but they all refer to the same thing. DNACPR means if your heart or breathing stops your healthcare team will not try to restart it. A DNACPR decision is made by you and/or your doctor or healthcare team. This decision is recorded on a form that is kept in your medical record. It can also be printed to be kept with you at home.
Part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. These make sure that people in care homes and hospitals are looked after in a way that does not inappropriately restrict their freedom. They set out a process we must follow if we believe it is in the person's best interests to deprive them of their liberty, in order to provide a particular care plan.
A DPIA is a process to help you identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project.
This occurs when a patient is ready to return home or transfer to another form of care but is still occupying a hospital bed. This can be because an appropriate setting to be transferred to, such as a care home, or another care facility is not available.
This is a statutory obligation for all NHS Wales organisations. It sets out that we must be open and transparent about the causes of any unexpected harm that results from a person’s treatment.
The European Atomic Energy Community. The EAEC helps regulate and safeguard access to radioisotopes required for cancer treatments.
Early intervention services provide treatment and support for people who are experiencing early symptoms of an illness. The aim is to provide low-level support to prevent the person developing more acute needs at a later stage.
The EASC is a joint committee of the seven health boards in Wales and is hosted by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. EASC has the responsibility for planning and securing sufficient ambulance services for the population.
The EASS provides valuable assistance and guidance to individuals across England, Scotland, and Wales on matters related to equality and human rights.
Sometimes know as Accident and Emergency (A&E). This is the part of a hospital where people go when they are ill or injured and need treatment quickly.
Our multidisciplinary team provides assessment and treatment for patients presenting with an eating disorder who are known to the Community Mental Health Teams.
An independent statutory body with the responsibility to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, and protect the human rights of everyone in Britain.
Planned, pre-arranged, non-emergency care, including scheduled operations. It is provided by medical and surgical specialists in a hospital or another secondary care setting. It can also be known as planned care. It focuses on particular types of high-throughput surgical procedures such as knee replacements, arthroscopies and cataract operations.
An EMS is a framework designed to help organisations monitor, control, and continuously improve their environmental performance.
This tube is inserted through either the patient's nose or throat into the windpipe and is sometimes referred to as an ET tube.
Care that helps all those with advanced, progressive, incurable illness to live as well as possible until they die. It enables the supportive and palliative care needs of both patient and family to be identified and met. This carries on throughout the last phase of life and into bereavement.
EOLC includes management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social, spiritual and practical support.
The EPAU monitors pregnancy progress and offers treatment for early pregnancy complications. You can find out more about care during early pregnancy here (opens in new tab).
An EPC is a contract with an external provider to implement energy efficiency measures and provide a guarantee that the savings predicted will be delivered. In 2014 we entered in to the first EPC in Wales.
EPP provides self management programmes throughout our area for adults with long term health conditions and those who are carers. You can find out more about our EPP programme here (opens in new tab)
The electronic system for collection and storage of patient records. These records can be shared across different health and care settings.
Bring together director-level professionals from NHS organisations to deliver an all-Wales work programme. These include directors of nursing, directors of planning, directors of finance and directors of workforce and organisational development.
This is a free phone number, managed by Crimestoppers. By using this service, the information you provide can be given anonymously. This information will then be logged onto a secure national database before being shared with your local counter fraud specialist. You can call 0800 028 4060.
There is a FIS in each local authority area across Wales. They can provide information about a range of services in your area.
If you are trying to organise childcare, want to know more about early years education and after-school activities in your area or you just need a little extra support to be a good parent, there is plenty of help available. You can find the local Family Information Service contact details here (opens in new tab).
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom. This act creates a public “right of access” to information held by public authorities, including the NHS. You can find visit our freedom of information page here to see what has been requested and how to request information (opens in new tab).
The role of the future generations commissioner is to highlight the key challenges, and barriers to addressing them, that face future generations in Wales. The commissioner also has responsibility for challenging and supporting public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions.
The FWTWB are a well-being equivalent of ‘five fruit and vegetables a day’. We all have emotional and mental health needs. Looking after our emotional and mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health. You can find out more about the five ways to well-being here (opens in new tab).
The GCS is a tool used to assess and calculate a patient’s level of consciousness.
One of our four main hospitals. It is in Carmarthen. You can find out more about the services offered at Glangwili hospital here (opens in new tab).
This involves the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
The GMC works to protect, promote, and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine. The GMC regional office for Wales is located in Cardiff.
This is the contract between general practices and the NHS for delivering primary care services to local communities. It is a nationally negotiated contract that sets out the core range of services provided by family doctors (GPs), their staff and a national tariff.
GPs treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
Provides healthcare for urgent medical problems outside normal surgery hours. Services are available for urgent medical situations but not for emergencies.
A professional website for GPs working in Wales. It is intended to act as an effective two-way communication portal and resource point. It aims to provide timely, reliable, and relevant information and to share constructive comments of current issues and initiatives in General Practice.
The incorporation of environmentally friendly practices into healthcare delivery. You can find the local Family Information Service contact details here (opens in new tab).
H&S at work encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities aimed at maintaining a safe working environment for employees. There are many relevant pieces of legislation and case law.
Department for the treatment of blood disorders. Blood disorders can vary from high blood counts or low blood counts or you may have a problem with excessive bleeding or clot formation. They can also treat patients who are living with lymphoma and may be referred with a confirmed diagnosis for treatment. Patients can only be referred by a medical professional, their GP or consultant.
Adults (over the age of 18) are at increased risk of developing blood clots when they are admitted to hospital. This risk is low, but may be increased in certain individuals. For example older age, patients with cancer, people who have previously suffered thrombosis or who have a family history of thrombosis.
It also varies with the reason for admission. It is important that an individual’s risk of thrombosis is assessed in conjunction with the reason for admission.
A HCA works in healthcare and community settings, and in most circumstances. They work under the direct supervision of qualified medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, surgeons and midwives.
A HCAI can develop either as a direct result of healthcare interventions, such as medical or surgical treatment, or from being in a healthcare setting. These infections cover a wide range of conditions and pose a serious risk to patients, staff, and visitors.
The HDU is a specialised area within a hospital that offers a higher level of care than a standard ward. Often situated close to the ICU. They cater to patients who need extra attention, monitoring and treatment, but not to the extent of requiring intensive care.
We plan and provide NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13 thousand members of staff who provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities care.
We work with local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers. We provide services for a quarter of the landmass of Wales.
Health and care standards set out the Welsh Government’s framework to support the NHS to provide effective, timely and quality services across all healthcare settings. They set out what the people of Wales can expect when they access health services. They also cover the part people can play in promoting their own health and well-being.
Known officially as Local Health Boards (LHBs). These are NHS bodies responsible for the health of the population within their geographical area.
They are responsible for planning and securing the delivery of primary, community and secondary care services alongside specialist services for their areas. These services include dental, optical, pharmacy and mental health services. They are also responsible for delivering services in partnership, improving physical and mental health outcomes, promoting well-being, and reducing health inequalities across their population.
The differences in health state or status between individuals or groups. These can be measured in various ways such as socioeconomic group, gender, ethnicity or geographical location.
A resource to help people communicate their needs to healthcare professionals.
This is a special health authority within NHS Wales created by bringing together three key organisations for health. They are the Wales Deanery, NHS Wales’ Workforce Education and Development Services (WEDS), and the Wales Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education (WCPPE). They sit alongside health boards, NHS trusts and Digital Health and Care Wales.
HEIW has a leading role in the education, training, development and shaping of the healthcare workforce in Wales. Its key functions include education and training, workforce development and modernisation, leadership development, strategic workforce planning, workforce intelligence, careers and widening access to healthcare education.
The independent inspectorate and regulator of healthcare in Wales.
This is a systematic approach to understanding the needs of a population. The HNA can be used as part of the commissioning process. Using this assessment means that the most effective support for those in the greatest need can be planned and delivered.
The HSE is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. They are dedicated to protecting people, places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Their role goes beyond worker protection to include public assurance. They work to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work and, in their environment.
The HTA is the independent regulator of organisations that remove, store and use human tissue. Organisations may use human tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, education and training, and display in public. They also give approval for organ and bone marrow donations from living people.
IAWN is a project that provides information on the LPMHSS in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. You can find out more about IAWN here (opens in new tab).
IBD is a term used mainly to describe two conditions, they are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are long-term conditions involving inflammation of the gut. You can find out more about our IBD service here (opens in new tab).
The ICO is the UK's independent body set up to uphold information rights.
This unit treats people whose conditions are life threatening and who need constant, close monitoring and support to maintain normal body function.
A Welsh Government initiative to provide support for families whose lives are affected by parental drug and alcohol misuse. These are delivered locally by multi disciplinary, multi agency teams who deliver evidence based time-limited interventions. You can find out more about our IFSS here (opens in new tab).
The Welsh IGT is a self-assessment tool enabling organisations to measure their level of compliance against national Information Governance standards and legislation.
This scheme is a quality assurance scheme which recognises best practice in providing for carers.
This refers to the role of non-officer members in LHBs in Wales. IMs have full director responsibility and the additional responsibility of ensuring the best quality decision-making by holding the executive to account. IMs often have a designated area of interest or focus and actively participate in all aspects of assurance and scrutiny across the organisation.
Immunisations and vaccinations. Immunisation or vaccination, is the process of giving someone a vaccine and them becoming immune to the disease as a result of that vaccine. It uses the body’s natural defence mechanism to build resistance to specific infections. For example, whooping cough or measles.
Previously known as 1000 Lives, Improvement Cymru are the all-Wales improvement service for NHS Wales. They are experts in developing, embedding, and delivering system-wide improvements across health and social care.
The NHS Finance (Wales) Act 2014 and associated NHS Wales planning framework signalled a new medium-term approach to planning. This approach requires health boards and trusts to produce an IMTP.
IMTPs set out how resources will be used over a three-year period to improve health outcomes for local populations. They aim to improve the quality of care and achieve best value from resources.
Umbrella term for all non-NHS bodies delivering healthcare, including a wide range of private companies and voluntary organisations.
The NHS has historically identified treatments that are deemed to have no or limited proven benefit. These are routinely considered to be a low priority and will not normally be undertaken.
A concept that brings together the delivery, management and organisation of services related to diagnosis, treatment and care. Integration can also refer to the aim of achieving seamless services between health and social care, and physical and mental well-being.
Covers integrated working between NHS and social care staff to support older and vulnerable people. The overall aim is to help people to maintain their independence, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and enable patients to be discharged early from hospital.
Provide patients with a better quality service, and easier access to required services, by working collaboratively towards the same outcome.
A critical care physician whose medical practice is focused entirely on the care of critically ill and injured patients.
Also known as ‘step up, step down’ or transitional care. This is care provided out of hospital for people who are medically stable but still need temporary care. This can be in a community bed or home care for recovery and rehabilitation.
Queries to local health boards for treatment and medicines that fall outside the routinely funded range of services available within NHS Wales. Requests that are eligible for further consideration are put before a meeting of the local IPFR Panel. This panel includes a public health director, medical director, director of therapies and clinical science, and a lay representative nominated by Llais. You can find out more about our IPFR service here (opens in new tab)
This involves working in partnership with others, whether in the public, private or voluntary sector, to identify and solve local problems. The Welsh Government increasingly regards joined-up working as a means of fostering efficiency, effectiveness, and community engagement in the improvement of local government performance.
Qualified medical practitioners who are working whilst engaged in postgraduate training to become a consultant, associate specialist, GP or pursue academic medicine.
A KPI is a measurable target that indicates how health boards are performing in terms of meeting their goals. Reviewing and evaluating KPIs helps us to determine whether or not we are on track for hitting our objectives.
We have two LCFS that cover the whole health board. They investigate allegations of NHS fraud, as well as many other duties. They ensure that everyone knows what fraud is and what to do if they think a fraud has been committed.
This service is for adults and children with learning disabilities who are having or due to have hospital treatment and may need advice and support. This includes emergency and planned hospital admissions, pre-admission visits and outpatients’ appointments. You can find out more about the LDHLS here (opens in new tab).
This service provides specialist healthcare to adults and children who have a diagnosed learning disability.
Llais is the national, independent body set up by the Welsh Government to give the people of Wales a stronger voice in their health and social care services. . Llais makes sure patients and service user views and experiences are used by decision-makers to plan and deliver better health and social care services. They work with local NHS and social care services providers to respond to the things that matter most to people in the communities they serve.
They are a statutory body so NHS organisations, local authorities and third sector care providers have to listen. You can find out more about Llais by visiting their website here (opens in new tab).
The day-to-day management of patients with several diseases and neurological conditions that require daily treatment.
Where local health boards, trade unions and other key stakeholders work together to improve health services within their area.
This service provides comprehensive mental health assessments for those in need. They provide short-term interventions for mental health patients. , They can also provide support and advice to GPs and other primary care staff, family members, carers and guardians.
A government subsidiary that supports a growing life sciences sector in Wales. The LSHW aim is to help the people of Wales benefit from improved healthcare and economic well-being. They aim to this this through working to find solutions for NHS and healthcare providers.
An inpatient unit for individuals with a forensic history which is linked to their mental disorder. These patients are usually detained under a section of the Mental Health Act. The unit is used to manage risk whilst promoting recovery and transition back into the community.
A condition that cannot be cured but can be controlled by medication and other therapies.
The MCA came into force in October 2007. Every day people make decisions about things in their lives. The ability to make these decisions is called mental capacity.
At times, some people have difficulty in making decisions because they lack mental capacity. This is a law that helps and supports people who have difficulty in making decisions for themselves. It also supports people who want to plan ahead in case they are unable to make decisions in the future.
The Act safeguards people who lack capacity.
A team of professionals from different medical disciplines who come together to provide comprehensive assessments and management of a patient’s condition.
Medical equipment required for clinical treatment. Examples of medical consumables include syringes, sutures, staples, medical gloves, and gowns.
In nuclear medicine, a medical isotope is a type of capsule often used in diagnostics and radiation therapy for cancer patients. Isotopes are also used frequently in the detection of arthritis, fractures, and tumours.
Provides treatment, help and support to patients, with mental health or learning disability needs. You can find out more about the mental health and learning disability services we offer here (opens in new tab).
A health worker who provides services for the purpose of improving the mental health of individuals or treating mental illness. These include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
The MHRA regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK.
For less serious injuries than A&E. MIU's can treat deep cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, severe sprains, minor head injuries, minor burns, and scalds. You can find our MIUs here (opens in new tab).
A place to give birth if you have had a straightforward pregnancy. . You can find out about out MLUs here (opens in new tab).
This is the rate of actual deaths to expected deaths.
MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
A type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. But if it gets inside the body, it can cause a serious infection that needs immediate treatment with antibiotics.
MSK means anything to do with the skeleton and musculature of the body.
This team provides nutritional care, advice, support, education and training with the aim of improving your health and well-being. They also support your recovery, and provide nutrition as a treatment or for managing a wide range of health conditions.
The NCEPOD reviews the care of patients to maintain and improve standards of healthcare. They carry out confidential patient surveys and by publish the results.
The UK’s leading research programme into suicide prevention in clinical services. The NCISH has the overall aim of improving safety for all mental health patients.
The leading charity for deaf children. They provide help and support to people who care for a deaf child no matter what their level or type of deafness or how they communicate.
Supports the strategic workforce agenda of the NHS in Wales from an NHS employer’s perspective through workforce policy development, practical advice, and information. NHS Wales employers is hosted by, and operates as a part of, the Welsh NHS confederation.
The financial contribution towards the cost of meeting the care needs of nursing home residents who have been assessed as needing services by a nurse.
A programme which supports the joint-planning and programme management of NHS services across health board boundaries.
The NFI is an exercise that matches electronic data to prevent and detect fraud.
An independent organisation that provides national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health. NICE aims to set clear national standards of what patients can expect to receive from the NHS. It promotes clinical and cost effectiveness through guidance and audit to support front-line staff.
The way NICE was established in legislation means that its guidance is officially England-only. It does however have agreements to provide certain NICE products and services to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Long-term strategies for improving specific areas of care. NSFs are implemented in partnership with social care and other organisations. There are six NSFs in Wales encompassing coronary heart disease, diabetes, mental health, renal, older people, and children.
The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment.
An independent organisation, owned and directed by NHS Wales. NWSSP supports NHS Wales through the provision of a comprehensive range of high quality, customer-focused support functions and services.
OAMHS provide specialist NHS mental health assessment, treatment and care for older people facing functional mental health difficulties in later life. You can find out more about our OAMHS here (opens in new tab).
The OCC manages outpatient appointments for Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush hospitals. The OCC can arrange, confirm, alter or cancel outpatient appointments. You can find out more about our OCC here (opens in new tab).
An independent voice and champion for older people across Wales, standing up and speaking out on their behalf.
Urgent medical care outside of your normal GP opening hours. You can find out more about our OOH service, including contact details here (opens in new tab).
Eye care for patients who have sight problems that need treatment. You can find out more about out ophthalmology services here (opens in new tab).
An overseas visitor is a person not normally resident in the United Kingdom. The NHS provides healthcare for people who live in the UK. People who do not normally live in this country are not automatically entitled to use the NHS free of charge. You can find out more about our overseas visitors service here (opens in new tab).
Provide a blood and transplantation service to the NHS. They look after transplant services across the UK. This includes managing the donation, storage and transplantation organs, tissues, bone marrow and stem cells, and researching new treatments and processes.
A patient who attends a hospital or clinic for treatment that does not require an overnight stay. You can find out more about our outpatient services here (opens in new tab).
Our hospital children’s day units. PACUs are staffed with specialist nursing and medical teams. They can undertake a further assessments, diagnostics (which are tests such as blood tests and/or X-Rays) and offer treatment where needed. Many children can often be treated within our PACUs and do not require an overnight stay. Occasionally, PACUs will also provide care on an appointment/outpatient basis. If your child requires further treatment and overnight care, they will be transferred to our inpatient paediatric wards.
This team helps children and young people who have significant difficulties carrying out their everyday activities, and are aged 0-18 years. You must be referred to the service by health professionals that know the child. You can find out more about our paediatric occupational therapy service here (opens in new tab).
A multi-disciplinary approach to specialised medical and nursing care for people with life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and the physical and mental stress of a terminal diagnosis.
An approach to working with people which puts the individual’s needs and aspirations firmly at the centre of the process.
Looking at the patient experience means putting the patient and their experience at the heart of quality improvement. Patient experience focuses on the measures and elements that are important to the patient. This can include, respect for patient-centred values, preferences, and expressed needs; communication; physical comfort and continuity of care.
A patient pathway is the route that a patient will take from their first contact with the NHS to the completion of their treatment. It also covers the period from entry into a hospital or a treatment centre until the patient leaves.
If you are a patient and are travelling to or from hospital, you will normally be expected to organise your own transport. Whether that be driving, using public transport or asking for help from family and friends. When this is not possible, you may be eligible for our patient transport service. You may also be able to use community transport services or get help with travelling costs. You can find out more about our Patient Transport Service here (opens in new tab).
A person with a personality disorder thinks, feels, behaves or relates to others very differently from the average person. Many people with a personality disorder recover over time. Psychological or medical treatment is often helpful, but support is sometimes all that's needed. There's no single approach that suits everyone – treatment should be tailored to the individual. You can find out more about our psychological therapies service here (opens in new tab).
This is developed by the patient and their healthcare professional and contains information about the individual’s health, lifestyle, and options for treatment. The aim is to provide the patient with greater ownership and responsibility in the management of their care.
Refers to approaches that recognise the uniqueness of the individual and establish this as the basis for the planning and delivery of care.
The PHA is a way of understanding the health needs of communities or specific populations.
Someone who takes blood samples. We have phlebotomists in many of our healthcare settings.
The national public health agency in Wales. Working to protect and improve health and well-being and reduce health inequalities for the people of Wales.
Physical treatment methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. You can find out more about our physiotherapy services here (opens in new tab).
The podiatry service provides a high quality, fully comprehensive foot health service for conditions affecting the lower limb. You can find out more about our podiatry services here (opens in new tab).
A written directive from the board. This may be driven by statute or law. It describes the broad approach or course of action that the health board is taking with a particular issue. You can view our polices here (opens in new tab).
These are the health outcomes of a group of individuals and the distribution of such outcomes within the group. Health equity – the avoidable differences in health between different parts of the population – is a core part of understanding population health.
Provide an estimate of the size of the future population and are based on assumptions about births, deaths, and migration. The assumptions are based on past trends and only indicate what may happen should the most recent trends continue.
A legal document that allows someone to manage another person’s affairs, or specific elements of their affairs, on their behalf.
One of our four main hospitals, situated in Llanelli in Carmarthenshire. You can find out more about the services on offer at Prince Philip Hospital here (opens in new tab).
PREMs are validated questionnaires that service users, their families and their carers complete. This provides us with a better understanding of how you feel about your experiences of the care you or your family member received.
Primary care is about those services which provide the first point of care, for more than 90% of people’s contact with the NHS in Wales. General practice (GPs) are a core element of primary care but it is not the only element. Primary care encompasses many other services, including, pharmacy, dentistry, and optometry.
A grouping of primary care services locally determined by an individual health board. GPs in the clusters play a key role in supporting the ongoing work of a locality network. Locality network is a term used to describe this collaborative approach.
The part of the national workforce and economy that is not under direct state control. Private sector organisations do not receive aid or support of any kind from central government. In healthcare, the private sector is made up of hospitals and clinics that operate independently from the NHS.
A standardised method of performing tasks by providing a series of actions to be conducted in an agreed and consistent way.
A term used to describe healthcare that fits the needs and circumstances of patients and actively avoids wasteful care. Wasteful care is care that is not to the patient’s benefit.
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 introduced PSBs for each local authority area in Wales. Each PSB works to improve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of its area. They also aim to reduce duplication and streamline the number of statutory plans and strategies that local authorities and their planning partners need to produce.
An acute inpatient facility for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. These patients need a significant level of care and require intensive short term intervention in a more secure environment.
Your feedback matters to us and we always want to hear about your experiences of the healthcare we provide. Quality drives everything we do and for us to continue to improve we'd like to know about your recent experience of using our services. You can do this by contacting our patient support services:
Telephone: 0300 0200 159
Email: hdhb.patientsupportservices@wales.nhs.uk
Online: Using our feedback form (opens in new tab).
Post: Freepost Feedback @ Hywel Dda
The process of engaging the public and patients at an individual and collective level throughout the planning and design of services. We do this to create localised, personalised, and effective services. The process moves from information, to feedback, to influence. This can be done at each stage of the cycle. The stages of the cycle are:
Our public and patient engagement scheme is known as Siarad Iechyd/Talking Health. This is a scheme for people who use our services and would like to be involved in how those services are developed and run. You can find out more about out Siarad Iechyd/Talking Health scheme here (opens in new tab).
Concerned with improving the health of the population rather than treating the diseases of individual patients.
Has responsibility for improving health among individuals, families and communities through the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries. A public health practitioner also has responsibility for promoting healthy behaviours.
The ombudsman is independent of all government bodies and has legal powers to investigate complaints about public services. This can include the NHS, and independent care providers in Wales.
The respiratory team have set up RALCs where patients can have most of their investigations done on the same day. You can find out more about our RALCs here (opens in new tab).
A mortality index based on a ratio of an observed number of deaths to an expected number of deaths in a particular population. The ‘risk adjusted’ element of RAMI is intended to allow comparisons between hospitals providing complex, high-risk care and smaller hospitals that provide lower risk services.
The membership body for paediatricians in the UK and around the world. They play a major role in postgraduate medical education, professional standards, research and policy.
Seeking to maximise people’s long-term independence, choice and quality of life, while at the same time minimising the requirement for ongoing support.
The rearrangement of services or facilities to achieve the maximum cost, clinical and patient benefit.
Long-term care provided to adults or children in a residential setting rather than their own homes.
An organisation of excellence that is leading the way in the field of rural health and social care in Wales, the UK and internationally.
RHCW was formed and is supported by Hywel Dda UHB, Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, Powys THB and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. RHCW works in collaboration with the Universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Swansea, Trinity Saint David and Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. RHCW also works alongside the local authorities of Ceredigion, Powys, and Gwynedd.
A piece of health and safety legislation that provides a structured approach to the way health and safety incidents are reported by employers.
The national charity supporting the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
These are required under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. The West Wales Regional Partnership Board work together collectively to transform services for adults and children with care and support needs and their unpaid carers. You can find out more about the West Wales Regional Partnership Board here (opens in new tab).
The period of time from referral by a GP or other medical practitioner to hospital for treatment in the NHS. An RTT pathway includes the time spent waiting for any hospital appointments, tests, scans or other procedures that may be needed before being treated. You can find out more about our RTTs here (opens in new tab).
Provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. You can find out more about our SALT services here (opens in new tab).
Provides specialist mental health services for children and young people with mental health problems. You can find out more about our sCAMHS service here (opens in new tab).
Healthcare service provided by medical specialists and other health professionals who generally do not have first contact with patients. For example, cardiologists, urologists and dermatologists.
This includes the actions individuals and carers take for themselves, their children, families and others to stay fit and maintain good physical and mental health.
This measures all deaths of patients admitted to hospital and those that occur up to 30 days after discharge from hospital.
A strategy and action plan detailing named organisations, including the NHS, commitment and approach to all forms of equality and human rights.
A scheme for people who use our services and would like to be involved in how those services are developed and run. You can find out more about out Siarad Iechyd/Talking Health scheme here (opens in new tab).
The SIRO has accountability for ensuring that effective systems and processes are in place to address the information governance agenda, including records and document management. The SIRO is the overall owner of information risk within the organisation. They also act as the focal point for information risk management in the organisation.
The SIRO will provide written advice to the chief executive on the content of the governance statement regarding information risk.
Operates within workforce and organisational development. They provide workforce solutions designed to improve healthcare, raise quality, and improve productivity and financial performance. Skills for Health is a not-for-profit organisation for the whole UK health sector.
Under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, we must work with local authorities to assess the social care needs of people living in our area. A social care assessment is a way of finding out what level of social care need a person has and what can be done to meet those needs.
Works to improve the quality of care and support people should expect from NHS Wales. Social Care Wales’ core vision is to achieve a society where every person who receives support can live the life that matters to them.
The state of a particular group that lacks the means and/or supportive environment to access opportunities for adequate healthcare, employment, education or housing.
A means of referring patients to a range of local, non-clinical services which are typically planned and delivered by voluntary and community sector organisations.
Sensory processing disorders are conditions that affect how the brain processes sensory information. They can cause over or under sensitivity to sensory information, including sight, sound, and touch.
The SPF is the formal mechanism where NHS Wales’ employers and trade unions work together to improve health services for the people of Wales. It is the forum where key stakeholders will engage with each other to inform, debate and seek to agree local priorities on workforce and health service issues.
The SPWBT offer a range of services, resources and signposting. Their aim is to contribute to a culture which has staff well-being at it's heart and where good work enables us all to experience good mental health. You can find out more about our SPWB team here (opens in new tab).
All health boards in Wales have a SRG to encourage full engagement and active debate across the communities served by the health board. By doing so, organisations use the balanced opinions of its stakeholders to inform the decision-making process.
This came into force on 6th April 2016. The act provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support and changes the way people’s needs are assessed and how services are delivered.
The NHS has a wide range of stakeholders that all share an interest in its work. These include patients and the public, local authorities and social care providers, charities and the private, voluntary and community sectors.
A small team of professionals who come together to work on a specific project, initiative or plan. For example, for the purpose of carrying out a health impact assessment.
For people requiring complex treatments, usually in a specialist centre. People may be referred for tertiary care (for example, a specialist stroke unit) from either primary or secondary care.
The full range of non-public, not-for-profit organisations that are non-governmental and ‘value driven’. This means that they are, motivated by the desire to further social, environmental or cultural objectives rather than to make a profit.
An organised association of professionals within a sector formed to protect and further their rights and interests. Some examples of these include Unite, Unison and Royal Colleges.
A carer is anyone who cares for a friend or family member. The family member whether it be due to illness, disability, mental health problems or addiction, requires external support in their daily lives. Often referred to as unpaid carers.
Health and or social care which cannot reasonably be foreseen or planned in advance of contact with the relevant professional. Unscheduled care, by definition, is urgent with the need to take action at the time of contact with services.
Care for people needing medical advice, diagnosis and/or treatment quickly and unexpectedly.
A biological preparation that provides active immunity against a specific disease.
A clear commitment to delivering and implementing policies geared towards delivering the greatest value from NHS services. The agenda compliments the core principles of the prudent healthcare framework.
Also known as a breathing machine, this piece of equipment blows air and oxygen in and out of the lungs.
Where you speak to a doctor or healthcare professional using the video camera in your smartphone, tablet or computer and a connection to the internet.
An umbrella term that refers to registered charities as well as non-charitable, non-profit organisations, associations, self-help groups and community groups, for public or community benefit.
Provides urgent and emergency care for 999 callers, non-emergency patient transport to hospitals and supports 111 Wales.
Covers the whole of Wales and collects voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations from the public.
A new computer system is being introduced in Wales to help health and social care professionals work together to provide care closer to people’s homes. This system is called WCCIS and it gives community nurses, mental health teams, social workers and therapists the tools they need to work better together. It allows other professionals to access relevant information on the care provided to patients, to show where a patient is with their treatment.
When fully implemented across Wales it will overcome the obstacles posed when organisations use different IT systems. It will securely store important information covering a range of activities. These activities can include community nursing, health and social care visits, mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse, complex care needs or social care therapy.
Well-being is broadly understood to be the state of being physically and mentally healthy and happy. Well-being also refers to how satisfied people feel with their lives as a whole. Their sense of purpose, and how in control they feel about their lives, their employment and their social and professional relationships with others.
The role of the Welsh language commissioner is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language in Wales. To make sure that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than the English language. They do this by imposing duties on some organisations to comply with standards and conduct inquiries into matters relating to the Commissioner's functions.
This is one of our four main hospital sites. It is in Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. You can find out more about the services on offer at Withybush hospital here (opens in new tab).
The United Nations agency working to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Responsible for the joint planning of specialised and tertiary services on behalf of Health Boards in Wales. Every year, WHSSC receives funding from Health Boards to pay for specialised healthcare for everyone who lives in Wales and is entitled to NHS care.
A tripartite group, sponsored by the Welsh Government, consisting of representatives from trade unions for NHS Wales, senior management, and the Welsh Government. The main purpose of the forum is to support the development, support and delivery of workforce policies on a national, regional and local level.
Job-related activity which covers a 37.5-hour working week and 2.5 hours interspersed break. If you work full time, you are 1WTE if you work 16 hours you are 0.43WTE.
Provide a range of services to voluntary groups, carers and individuals who have used or are using mental health services and living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. You can find out more about WWAMH here (opens in new tab).
A quick and painless procedure commonly used to produce images of the inside of the body. It's a very effective way of looking at the bones and can be used to help detect a range of conditions.