Six new nurses join Angharad Ward – bringing paediatric care back to full capacity
BRONGLAIS Hospital’s paediatric ward is once again fully operational, Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed today (May 29).
The return to normal services at Angharad Ward follows the successful recruitment of six new nurses, bringing the unit back to full staffing levels after a period of disruption.
In September 2024, the Health Board announced that children requiring more than 36 hours of inpatient care would be transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen for a temporary six-month period. The move, prompted by a shortage of paediatric nurses, aimed to ensure patient safety.
However, since November 2024, Angharad Ward has continued to deliver a 24/7 service for children and young people. Over the past six months, around 400 paediatric patients were treated at Bronglais, with only three requiring transfer to another hospital. Of those, two were transferred on clinical grounds, meaning only one child was directly affected by the temporary change.
Now, with a full complement of staff, Angharad Ward can once again care for children requiring extended hospital stays.
Senior Sister and Ward Manager Bethan Hughes said: “We’ve struggled for years to recruit due to the rural location, but this time, we’ve succeeded thanks to a flexible approach and support from our management team.
“We revised job descriptions and attracted candidates with strong paediatric experience. It’s been about thinking outside the box – and it worked.”
Among the new recruits are Selma Thomas and Anumol Mathew, both originally from India. Selma previously worked in intensive care in Saudi Arabia and has now settled in Aberystwyth with her husband, who also works at the hospital. Anumol joined through the Internationally Educated Nurses Programme and hopes to relocate her family to the area soon.
Junior Sister Sioned Rees-Evans, originally from Aberystwyth, brings experience from Cardiff’s Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital. “I always knew I’d come back,” she said. “I love it here – and being a Welsh speaker really helps when talking to young patients.”
Bethan Hughes praised her team for their dedication during a difficult period. “This is a new chapter for Angharad Ward. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what lies ahead.”
Nick Williams-Davies, Service Delivery Manager for Acute Paediatric and Neonatal Services, added: “We’re thrilled to see full services resume. This result comes from excellent teamwork and commitment. I want to thank all staff for their tireless efforts over the past six months.”
