Author: Alice Gregory

Persistent pain, which is often incurable, affects between 31.5% to 53% of people across the UK*, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. To help tackle this growing issue, researchers in Wales are stepping up with the help of Wales’s national health research registry, Healthwise Wales — to embark on a study known as the Persistent Pain Project. Launched earlier this month, (January 2024), the Persistent Pain Project will track participants for a two-year period — to determine the psychological and lifestyle factors that may contribute to people developing persistent pain. The researchers are currently recruiting a range…

This National Apprenticeship Week (05 – 11 February), Coleg Gwent is shining a spotlight on two of its 602 apprenticeship learners — showcasing support for an alternative route to higher education across its Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, Newport and Crosskeys campuses. With more than 400 apprenticeship partners working with Coleg Gwent (including the NHS, Biffa, and Tai Calon Community Housing), and over 14 apprenticeship programmes available; learners can develop skills, gain real-world experiences and work towards a full qualification whilst getting paid. Matthew Ford, 22, from Monmouth, opted to study on the Motor Vehicle apprenticeship after developing a passion for cars by…

A 22-year-old apprentice from Bangor has credited his apprenticeship through Urdd Gobaith Cymru for helping him to challenge stereotypes in the childcare industry. Cian Owen, an Early Years and Childcare Apprentice at Ffalabalam nursery, is supporting the ‘Genius Decision’ campaign this Apprenticeship Week Wales, with the hope to inspire more people to choose a career that has a positive impact on the lives of young children. He said: I had no experience in childcare before starting at Ffalabalam. I’m from a hospitality background, but always knew I wanted to work with children and be a positive influence on them. My…

A highly specialised scanner used to diagnose cancer and other conditions is seeing more patients than ever at Swansea’s Singleton Hospital. The mobile PET-CT scanner service was introduced there in 2020 and meant people from Swansea Bay and further west no longer had to travel to Cardiff to be scanned. Now, less than four years later, InHealth, the private healthcare company that provides the service on behalf of the NHS, has replaced the existing scanner with a new and more sophisticated version. And with the number of patients increasing year-on-year, there are longer-term plans to establish a static PET-CT scanner…

Swansea University is launching a new flexible degree designed to help future nurses balance their studies around their home lives. The course, which has been developed with NHS Wales, features a shorter study week, runs alongside school term times and will co-ordinate placements around personal commitments. In addition, its fees are fully funded through an NHS bursary. The new course is being launched to address NHS shortages and encourage people with life experience to join the nursing profession by opening the door to those who may otherwise not be able to commit to studying. The University recognises the strengths of…

JLS star Aston Merrygold will reprise his role as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, performing at Wales Millennium Centre from 23 – 28 July 2024. Aston joins previously announced Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West, and Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon) as Dorothy. Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys) will play The Scarecrow, with Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies; Les Misérables) as The Cowardly Lion, Alex Bourne (Annie; Hairspray) as The Wizard, Emily Bull (9 to 5; Matilda) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews (Bleak Expectations; War…

Today, on Monday 5th February 2024, the brand-new Breast Care Unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr has welcomed Gwent patients for the very first time. Following an £11m investment from Welsh Government, the new unit will bring together experts from across the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area to provide a more resilient and effective breast service to better meet the needs of the Gwent population. To expand on the current breast services offered in Gwent, the clinical teams from Nevill Hall and the Royal Gwent Hospitals will come together to provide outpatient care, diagnostic investigations and surgery for breast cancer…

PETER’S Pies, the leading Welsh pastry baker, is proudly partnering with The Charity of Velindre Cancer Centre for its 2024 Wear Red campaign. Peter’s has committed to changing the colour of their brand and packaging for the first time ever to red from the classic green in support of Velindre. Peter’s will also be sponsoring Velindre’s Wear Red event on 2nd February to help raise vital funds and awareness for Wales’ largest cancer centre. Peter’s is a long-standing supporter of Velindre, with donation bins located across their canteens and restaurants. They sponsored last year’s Castle 2 Castle event which marked…

The revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar has made its way to Cardiff’s Donald Gordon Theater at the Wales Millennium Centre.   The musical come rock concert is reflective of the rock era, the legendary score includes songs such as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.  Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. The story of Jesus…

Christ College Brecon has announced a partnership with the national governing body for hockey in Wales. Hockey Wales, established in 1996, is responsible for the administration of all aspects of the game in Wales, including development, performance, schools, umpiring and universities. This partnership aims to improve provision for hockey within mid Wales by supporting Hockey Wales in identifying and growing talent through its new county hockey pathway. The partnership will look to boost the number of competitive opportunities for all players through competitions and initiatives within the region. The renowned independent school will host Powys hockey training as well as…