Author: Rhys Gregory

A doctor has combined healthcare with virtual reality to help put patients at ease. Dr Kevin Rafferty came up with the concept of combining a disposable anaesthetic facemask with a VR headset to keep patients occupied while they undergo gas induction of anaesthesia or oxygen while working as a locum staff doctor in north Wales. The headset is single patient use, cardboard virtual reality headset integrating a detachable medical mask. The device is used in conjunction with a smartphone to create the virtual reality experience. The device can be used during multiple procedures, including post-operative recovery therapy, continuous positive airway…

A survey of more than 100 independent pubs, cafes, restaurants and event caterers has estimated that at least 30,000 job losses are expected in the Welsh hospitality sector – and nearly half of these have already happened. The survey was carried out by the Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July, and came as pubs, cafes and restaurants reopened in England, and Scotland announced that the re-opening inside will begin on July 15th. Wales remains the only UK nation yet to give a date for inside opening. The survey revealed that within the 102 businesses that responded,…

Following mass lockdown easing across the UK, Welsh families are now free to enjoy a variety of outdoor attractions across Wales. However, First Minister Mark Drakeford is yet to address when and how indoor tourist spots can re-open, which continues to earn the frustration of members of WAVA, the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions. “The Welsh First Minister has cleared outdoor attractions, but there’s still no relief for indoor sites,” WAVA Co-Chair Ashford Price states. “Welsh attractions are still on a cliff edge, and he is continuing to act as though he is the Messiah.” Pressure is piling on the…

Members of Swansea Building Society will now be able to securely access their savings and mortgage accounts online for the first time, following the launch of Swansea Online, a new digital service by the 97-year old institution. The Society’s customers will now be able to view their savings and mortgage account balances online, transfer between Society savings accounts and withdraw monies from their Society savings account(s) to a nominated bank account which must be in their name/joint names (subject to terms and conditions). Customers will also be able to view previous transactions on savings and mortgage accounts and directly contact…

Patients at Morriston Hospital’s Renal Unit were given a much-appreciated treat last weekend when a local charity surprised them by delivering more than 300 cream teas. The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales, delivered 320 afternoon tea boxes to Morriston Hospital Renal Unit, to lift the spirits of patients and staff on Friday 3 July 2020 and Saturday 4 July 2020. While Wales is slowly coming out of lockdown, the last few months have not been easy for the staff and patients at Morriston Hospital Renal Unit. People with kidney disease are classed as extremely vulnerable to serious complications caused…

A dedicated team of criminology students at the University of South Wales (USW) is reviewing investigations into people who have been missing for many years. Dr Cheryl Allsop, whose research focuses on cold case investigations and missing people, set up the cold case unit at USW to help the families of missing people whilst providing students with an opportunity to put the theory that they are taught in class into practice and learn additional investigative skills. Working alongside Locate International – a community interest company set up to help the families of missing people – as well as experts in…

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe global crisis ever since the start of the year. It hasn’t only paralyzed the economy but also took away the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Hence, the government is continuously reminding its people to wear facemasks, practice regular handwashing, and practice social distancing. Today, the Coronavirus cases have reached approximately 11 million worldwide, with more than 500, 000 deaths and 6 million recoveries. With the continuous rise in numbers, strict home quarantine is advised to contain the severity of the virus. People are prohibited from going out of their homes unless…

If you’re heading into London for a holiday, don’t just keep to the city confines – there are some great places to explore just outside too. Here we look at some of the best places to visit just a stone’s throw from the capital. Rye With its winding streets, medieval pubs and maritime history, stepping into Rye can feel like you’ve travelled back in time. You can spend a pleasurable day or two here exploring the passageways, quirky antique shops and castle. And if you fancy a beach day, you’re only a bus ride away to the wide and golden…

Siop Griffiths Cyf, a community enterprise in Penygroes, Gwynedd, is supporting the local community to stay connected through the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a £29,916 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. Ben Gregory, secretary of community group Siop Griffiths Cyf, said: “The project has been developed in response to local needs and the feedback from the community and volunteers. We are very grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will enable us to further support our communities and employ a full-time development officer and part-time cook for six months to develop the community response.” The grant will…

A senior investment analyst for one of the UK’s leading actuarial and pension consulting firms has warned that the country should expect recessions over the coming months and the economic backdrop to remain uncertain heading into 2021 and that, as the Brexit transition period draws to an end, a no deal is a serious possibility. Stefano Carnevale addressed over 100 pension and investment specialists at Quantum Advisory’s first ever virtual ‘Pensions for Brunch’ seminar. The comments were part of Stefano’s opening investment update covering market performance over the last 12 months, and the outlook for pension schemes and investment strategies…