Those who have given the most hours, days and years to serving the local NHS across different professions across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire were recognised in long service awards by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

It was a chance to bring together many different people varying from carers to a member of the maintenance team and to theatre staff to celebrate the one thing they all have in common, serving for their local NHS for over 40 years.

Dyfrig Sharp from Carmarthenshire was just one of those recognised. Dyfrig started his career with the NHS on a 6 month trial through the NHS job creation scheme within the maintenance team.

He then went on to become a fully-fledged NHS employee in 1978 taking up the role of a semi-skilled fitter. Just over a decade after beginning his career he took an opportunity and became a power house operator. 

His colleagues shared their kind words noting, “The knowledge and experience that he has developed over the 40 years is irreplaceable and is regarded as an integral member to the maintenance team.”

Gwenfair Pearson, was just one of the staff from Ceredigion recognised for her hard work and commitment to the health board. Working at Bronglais Hospital over the past four decades has seen Gwenfair working in the day surgery unit and in orthopaedics.

Her colleagues commented on how blessed they were having worked with Gwenfair over the years. Adding that she brought much support to many patients and families which made her well-known, much loved and recognised wherever she goes.  

They also added, “I have only ever witnessed kindness, compassion and care, delivered through her bright smile and warm personality.  A truly hard working, reliable and diligent nurse, Gwen continues to bring a positivity to her role that benefits not only those for whom she cares, but also her colleagues.”

Stephanie Nicholas who is based Pembrokeshire was recognised for her dedication in an event before Christmas. Over her 43 years in service she has worked in South Pembs Hospital, district nursing service, out of hours doctors service and ART team. 

Her colleagues had lovely words to describe her including, “she is a very professional nurse and is reliable, honest and dedicated.”

Health Board Chair Bernardine Rees said: “It’s been a privilege and humbling to present long service awards to staff across Hywel Dda, the experience demonstrated by the individuals both clinical and non-clinical has been immense. 

“It has been a pleasure to thank them all for the commitment you have given to the NHS in mid and west Wales over the years.”

The ceremony was held last week in the Cambrian Room at Glangwili Hospital. The ceremony saw the nominees receive their award along with a personal card with messages from colleagues they have worked long side.

The day was filled with great emotion and it was an honour for us to celebrate the care and loyalty given to the health board by these humble people. 

Director of Workforce and Organisational Development Lisa Gostling added: “It’s wonderful to be part of the special event, 40 years service is truly a remarkable achievement and we are delighted to be able to thank staff for their dedication to our patients over this time. 

“This event was the second of our long service events and plans are already underway for the third in to be held in the spring. 
“Once we have thanked our longest serving staff we will be begin to recognise others who have also dedicated significant periods of their lives to our local health service.”

Staff who were recognised at the event were: 

Angela Finan, Junior Theatre Sister

Wendy Goodwin, Paediatric Staff Nurse

Hazel Hullock, Hotel services

Annette James, CMHT Co-ordinator

Hilary James, Hotel Facilities Assistant

Iona Jones, Theatre Personnel

Jacqueline McConville, SCBU Sister

Gwenfair Pearson, Registered Nurse, Theatres

Dyfrig Sharp, Estates

The health board looks forward to celebrating many more staff members who have served 40 years in the local NHS and will be taking nominations from staff ahead of the next event.

As influenza is now circulating in communities in West Wales, health professionals are reminding people that they can still protect themselves through vaccination. Of high concern locally is the fact that more people are beginning to be admitted to hospitals in the region with complications resulting from catching the flu.

Dr Joanne McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Microbiology at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen said:

‘We are now seeing cases of flu in our hospitals and in the community across Hywel Dda. While most people are aware of the horrible symptoms flu itself can bring, many are not aware of the potentially fatal complications of flu. 

During or following a bout of flu, secondary bacterial pneumonia can develop. We often see people becoming very unwell with pneumonia, with some requiring intensive care and sadly some not recovering. Additionally, the risk of having a heart attack is six times higher when a patient has flu compared to when they do not have the virus, a shocking statistic that really highlights just how serious flu can be.

Older people and those with chronic conditions are more likely to be affected by flu complications, and it is therefore essential that these individuals do all they can to protect themselves.’ 

Rhys Sinnett, from the Hywel Dda Public Health Team said:

‘The main type of flu circulating in Wales currently is influenza A(H1N1). The latest information suggests that it is well-matched to the vaccine strain and therefore significant protection is expected from the vaccine. 

We know there have been supply issues of vaccine this year, but you can still obtain your vaccine from local pharmacies and in a number of areas direct from your GP. We are just at the start of the flu season and it is definitely not too late to get yourself protected!’

The following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the community. Those who:

• are aged 65 and over
• have a chronic heart condition
• have a chronic chest complaint, including asthma which requires regular medication
• have chronic kidney disease
• have chronic liver disease
• have a chronic neurological condition
• have diabetes
• have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
• have no spleen, or your spleen doesn’t work fully
• are a morbidly obese adult (BMI of 40 or above)
• are pregnant
• are living in long-term residential or nursing home

Carmarthen Town (3)  Connah’s Quay Nomads (2)   

Carmarthen turned the “form book” upside down with this sensational victory over a strong Connah’s Quay side that went into this match at the top of the Welsh Premier League, having won five of their last six matches and scoring 22 goals in the process – after this result they drop to third place.

And the Old Gold achieved this success the hard way, having twice come back from being a goal down and then scoring the winning goal in the 4^thminute of added time at the end of the match.

Yet in the opening stages of the match the Nomads looked like a team that had spent all season at or close to the League summit as they largely monopolised possession and continually probed the Town defence with a series of well-crafted attacks.  However manager Neil Smothers had clearly planned for this eventuality by setting up a formidable five-man defence which, with frequent support from industrious midfielders Greg Walters and Ceri Morgan, initially dealt comfortably with that pressure.

Indeed it was not until the 7^thminute that the visitors managed a scoring effort of any significance – following a corner-kick the ball reached Callum Morris who, from the edge of the penalty area, struck an angled drive that ‘keeper Lee Idzi carefully watched fly just wide of the near post. 

Gradually the Old Gold began showing a little more adventure with some occasional counter-attacks but all too often striker Luke Bowen was an isolated figure upfield and unable to make any real impression on the visitors’ defence – certainly no notable scoring opportunities emerged. 

Meanwhile Town’s defence was coming under increasing pressure as Connah’s Quay continued with a series of penetrating attacks.  And, at last, in the 19^thminute they took the lead when Michael Bakare, from wide on the right flank, fired a free-kick low into the packed goalmouth where Idzi and several defenders seemed slow to react to the danger and allowed the ball to slip into the goal at the near post. 

Then on 23 minutes the Nomads went close to increasing their lead when Rob Hughes, on the left-wing, sent an inviting cross into the crowded penalty area only for George Horan to direct his close-range header narrowly over the bar.

But shortly afterwards Carmarthen at long last managed a meaningful attack when a slick series of passes along the left flank finished with Aidan O’Kelly sprinting dangerously into the opposition penalty area and while that move eventually broke down, it heralded a spell of more positive attacking play from the hosts.

After 35 minutes Luke Cummings, from near the right touchline, delivered a free-kick into the goalmouth and although the ball was cleared by a defender, it went straight to Walters who instantly dispatched a smart 20 yard volley that ‘keeper John Danby was well-placed to claim.

Then on 41 minutes Cummings himself went close to scoring a remarkable goal – from deep inside his own half he burst forward beyond the half-way line then, noticing that Danby was standing well out of his goal area, Town’s adventurous defender launched an audacious 40 yard shot that sailed over the ‘keeper as he anxiously raced back towards his goal only for the ball to land on the roof of the net.

After the interval Connah’s Quay once more took the early initiative and kept the home defence under pressure with a stream of rapid attacks – but on 54 minutes the Old Gold produced a delightful sweeping counter-attack that ended with an equalising goal.  The ball was cleared from the Town penalty area and reached Morgan who threaded a sublime pass through to Walters – he sprinted forward from the half-way line to reach the edge of the penalty area before finishing in clinical fashion with a rasping drive that flew past Danby and into the back of the net.

Yet, sadly, that recovery was fairly short-lived.  After 70 minutes Bakare, who throughout the match had been a constant threat with his strong running and smart footwork, raced powerfully along the left-wing then sent a searching cross into the into the goalmouth where Callum Morris stabbed the ball beyond Idzi’s reach and into the home goal.

But Carmarthen reacted positively to this crushing setback and once again counter-attacked with urgency and a refreshing freedom as they sought to get back on level terms.  Initially there was an evenly-balanced period of fast end-to-end play – but gradually, and for the first time in the match, the Nomads defence came under noticeable pressure as Town intensified their efforts.

And in the 83^rdminute they deservedly achieved their aim.  Having won a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Cummings demonstrated impressive accuracy in firing the ball over the defensive ‘wall’ and into the corner of the net to leave Danby well beaten. 

Connah’s Quay, stung by that setback, immediately swarmed upfield in search of the goal that would preserve their place at the top of the WPL.  Now the Old Gold defence was again under considerable pressure and their prospects of resisting that outcome were seriously weakened on 87 minutes when central defender Lewis Baldwin was sent-off after having been shown two yellow cards in the space of just 2 minutes.

Shortly after that incident the 4^thOfficial indicated that 5 minutes of added time would be played – the home crowd almost certainly regarded that as a further setback to Town’s prospects of safeguarding the precious point they had worked hard to secure.

Their players, however, evidently held a different view – they saw it more as an opportunity.

In the 4^thminute of added time, having been forced to defend deep inside their penalty area, Lee Surman’s headed clearance was claimed by Liam Thomas who sprinted forward to the half-way line, passing two opponents in the process, then played the ball on to Dwayne Coultress – he raced further onwards before sliding a delightful pass across the face of the penalty area where Thomas, typically alert to the unfolding scoring opportunity, had continued his run to make a timely arrival. He then moved into the penalty area and was promptly brought down by defender George Horan.

Town’s all-time top goal-scorer, almost certainly the only calm and confident person at Richmond Park at that particular moment, stepped up and with his usual accuracy drove the spot-kick past Danby and into the back of the net to secure a stunning victory over the WPL leaders.  Additionally, these vital three points take the Old Gold a little further away from the clubs currently occupying the relegation places.

This concludes the WPL first-phase programme.  The second-phase fixtures commence on the first week-end of February but in the meantime Carmarthen’s next fixture is a Welsh Cup tie at Richmond Park on Saturday January 26^th(k/o 2.30pm) against Connah’s Quay!  Town have no match next week-end.     

Team:

Lee Idzi;  Luke Cummings;  Lewis Baldwin;  Dave Vincent (sub Jay Woodford 68);  Lee Surman; Aidan O’Kelly (sub Craig Hanford 76); Greg Walters;  Ceri Morgan;  Jordan Vickers (sub Dwayne Coultress 74);  Luke Bowen;  Liam Thomas;  

Unused Subs:  Sean Hanbury;   Danny Thomas;

Goals:  Greg Walters (54);  Luke Cummings (83);  Liam Thomas (pen) (90+4);     

Cards:  (R)  Lewis Baldwin (87);  

(Y)  Greg Walters (45+1);  Dave Vincent (49);  Ceri Morgan (72);  

Liam Thomas (90+5);  Lee Idzi (90+6) 

Swansea Bay Business Club is launching its 2019 networking season at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea with guest speaker and Sport Wales CEO, Sarah Powell.

This event is kindly sponsored by Swansea Building Society.
 
The lunch will take place on Friday 1^st February and members and their guests will be afforded the opportunity to enjoy unrivalled networking opportunities alongside a two-course lunch.
 
Guest speaker, Sarah Powell, is a passionate Welsh sport woman who has been able to combine her love of sport and her professional career. Sarah is the Chief Executive Officer of Sport Wales, taking up the role in 2012 and is the first female to hold the position within the organisation.
 
Sarah has also held numerous board level roles throughout her career – Ryder Cup Wales Limited, the Commonwealth Games Council of Wales and is a member of the UK Home Nations and UK Sport group. She has been at the helm during unprecedented success for sport in Wales, with Team Wales delivering back-to-back Games records.
 
Alongside her professional career, Sarah has also captained and coached international hockey, winning over 70 senior caps and playing at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games before retiring from international competition.
 
Sarah’s talk will touch on the importance of sport to the wellbeing of our nation and the important contribution the sector makes to growing Wales’ economy.

Sarah will explain the role Sport Wales will play in looking to ensure that the people in Wales live physically active and healthier lives, that children have the opportunities to take part in physical activity for life and also that Wales is recognised internationally as a sporting nation.
 
Tickets to our season launch event at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea on Friday 1^st February will cost £25 for members and £32.50 for non-members. This will include a two-course lunch.

Bookings will close at midnight on Friday January 25, one week before the event.

For more information and to book on click here.

If you have any further questions please e-mail info@swanseabaybusinessclub.com or call 03300 417180.


Swansea Bay Business Club

Upcoming Events

Celebration Event: St. David’s Day Lunch
1st March 2019. Click here for more information or to book

April Lunch with Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive of the Royal Mint
5th April 2019. Click here for more information or to book

May Lunch
10th May 2019. Click here for more information or to book

June Lunch
14th June 2019. Click here for more information or to book

Celebration Event: July Flagship Lunch
5th July 2019. Click here for more information or to book

September Breakfast
4th September 2019. Click here for more information or to book

September Lunch
20th September 2019. Click here for more information or to book

October Lunch
18th October 2019. Click here for more information or to book

Celebration Event: Beaujolais Day
21st November 2019. Click here for more information or to book

The latest podcast from Phil Evans and Robert Lloyd.

The Big Cwtsh – Episode 39.

Now available in Soundcloud.

Wales manager Jayne Ludlow has recalled Loren Dykes and Jess Fishlock as part of the 24-player squad to face Italy on Tuesday 22 January in Cesena.

Fishlock and Dykes join up with regulars Sophie Ingle, Natasha Harding and Angharad James as they continue with preparations for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 qualifying campaign. They will look to inspire some of the younger squad members, as Ludlow has named four uncapped players and eight players under the age of 21.

Despite being named in the squad for the training camp, Kayleigh Green will be suspended for the match after being sent off in the side’s goalless draw against Portugal in November. Meanwhile Hayley Ladd could win her 50^thcap if she takes part.

Ludlow’s side will see the match as a tough test against an Italian side that will be taking part in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Wales narrowly missed out on qualifying for. The sides last faced each other in March 2018 in the Cyprus Cup, where a brace for Cristiana Girelli and a late goal for Greta Adami gave the Azzurri a 3-0 win.

The match will be available to watch live through the FAW’s social media channels in conjunction with the Italian FA.

ITALY V WALES

• Tuesday 22 January 2019
• KO 17:00 GMT
• Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena
• Live stream available through FAW social media channels