Hospital hosts Minister

HEALTH Minister Lesley Griffiths has visited Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Mrs Griffiths, joined by Aberavon AM David Rees, toured the site to see how services are being used and developed following the urgent service changes there.

They met staff at the minor injuries unit, radiology, endoscopy and Ward E.

Ms Griffiths said: "It was a very interesting and enjoyable visit, and it was good to be able to see some of the patients.

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"It has been very interesting to see the hospital grasping its opportunity to provide enhanced services.

"I had the opportunity to see the imaging unit, and also the building work for the new IVF service which will be provided at the hospital from next year."

ABMU vice-chairman Ed Roberts, added: "We are very pleased the Minister has been able to come and see the work being carried out for ABMU by Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

"Some necessary changes have had to be made to the acute medical intake, but the hospital has an enormous potential, and currently delivers high class services, not only for those in the Neath Port Talbot community, but also the wider ABMU area.

"We see this as the start of our enhanced services, and are delighted the Minister could come and see what we provide, and meet the staff who deliver such high quality care."

The visit began at the minor injuries unit, which provides treatment for non urgent or not serious cases. Staff explained that more patients from Swansea are starting to take advantage of the service, rather than use A&E departments inappropriately.

Radiology staff demonstrated a cardiac MRI scan. Neath Port Talbot is the only ABMU hospital to provide the service, which looks for symptoms of cardiomyopathy, a disease that can lead to cardiac arrest.

It is also used for patients before they are referred for cardiac surgery. The endoscopy team showed off their treatment unit. It provides a one-stop-shop service, as the majority of patients have their tests, diagnosis and either treatment or referral all in the same day.

Finally, Mrs Griffiths met Ward E staff. They provide care for local patients who have been transferred to the hospital after they have received their initial acute care at Morriston, Singleton or Princess of Wales.