Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has funded five new ventilators worth over £120,000 for neonatal services at Glangwili and Bronglais hospitals.

They provide the latest technology which meets best practice standards for infants born prematurely or with respiratory problems.

By using ‘volume guaranteed’ ventilation, the new machines are protective of the lungs of premature infants and can help reduce rates of chronic lung disease.

Additionally, the new ventilators provide all the required respiratory support and perform functions currently delivered by three separate machines.

Nick Davies, Service Delivery Manager - Acute Paediatric and Neonatal Services, said: “We are delighted that generous charitable donations from our local communities have enabled us to buy these five ventilators, four for Glangwili and one for Bronglais.

“The new ventilators will help us to provide the very best care in our neonatal services.”

Bethan Osmundsen, Senior Nurse Acute Paediatrics & Interim Senior Nurse Neonates, said: “The new ventilators ensure volumes of oxygen are delivered in a controlled way to patients, minimising the potential for lung damage, especially in pre-term infants. The devices also ensure that the benefits of ventilation are maximised so that we can stabilise a patient’s condition.

“As the new machines have improved functionality, they will reduce the amount of equipment at the cot side and also reduce the need for staff to use multiple machines during an episode of care. Staff will only require training on one piece of equipment rather than three.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities said: “We are delighted that donations from our local communities have enabled us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for neonatal services which will benefit patients and families for years to come.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk