Author: Rhys Gregory

Rutherford Health has announced that it has commenced coronavirus antibody testing for staff and patients throughout its network of Rutherford Cancer Centres. Tests are being carried out at the centres in Reading, Newport (South Wales), Bedlington, Northumberland and Liverpool and are being processed at a laboratory in Neasden, Middlesex. Data from the testing is being provided to Government ministers and advisers on testing. Professor Karol Sikora, chief medical officer, Rutherford Health, said: “It is vital that patients are as safe as possible when they are being treated and testing will help enormously. It is also hugely important that medical and…

A young farmer preparing to trek mount Kilimanjaro in aid of mental health charity MIND is a step closer to his challenge thanks to kind hearted cheesemakers at South Caernarfon Creameries. Meilyr Williams, 19, is preparing for a six-day trek to the highest point in Africa, in a bid to raise awareness of mental health issues in the rural economy. He’s received a boost to his fundraising challenge thanks to sponsorship from the team at South Caernarfon Creameries dairy co-operative, which proudly owned by its 130 farming members across North and Mid-Wales. He has so far raised more than £1,000…

SMOKERS could catch Covid-19 more easily because smoking means they touch their faces more often. That’s the warning from the World Health Organisation and leading scientists who are urging smokers to give up the habit. The WHO has warned on its website that the hand to mouth action of smoking could put smokers more at risk of contracting the virus. “Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth.” They were…

Founders of Warrior Women Collective, Charlie Morgan and Amy Holland, have been recognised for their ‘remarkable accomplishments’ by gender equality charity Chwarae Teg. Charlie and Amy have been shortlisted for a Womenspire Award in the Rising Star category. The Womenspire Awards, run by Chwarae Teg, aim to celebrate the achievements of Welsh women in every aspect of life. Since launching in 2017, more than 1,000 women from across Wales have been united through the events held by Warrior Women Collective. Bringing together like-minded women – in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming environment – the monthly events feature a range of…

Many third sector organisations are facing significant financial challenges as the lockdown in the UK continues. Techniquest – an educational charity and Wales’ largest science discovery centre- has joined the #EveryDayCounts movement to draw public attention to wider financial impacts and convince Government to do more to support all third sector organisations. #EveryDayCounts is the latest from the Charity Finance Group (CFG), who are actively campaigning on behalf of third sector organisations and asking the UK Government for financial support during this time. The campaign encourages organisations to join the movement, share their story and grow its support network. As…

The East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme will protect 1,650 properties in East Rhyl and will be funded through the Welsh Government, as well as part funding by Denbighshire County Council. Preparatory work on the two year project will start onsite on April 16 with the main contractor Balfour Beatty putting in a range of additional measures to ensure it can adhere to the latest UK guidelines around Covid 19, ensuring there will be no impact on public safety. The proposed scheme involves the placement of 128,000 tonnes of rock armour in front of the existing sea defences at East Rhyl,…

Swansea patients whose appointments have had to be cancelled because of coronavirus are getting expert support over the phone instead so they can continue their treatment. Psychologists from Swansea University are collaborating with staff from the Women’s Health Physiotherapy and Urogynaecology departments at Singleton Hospital to use tele-medicine as they deal with women receiving treatment for pelvic floor problems. The psychologists from the College of Human and Health Sciences are providing the vital psychological element in the patients’ ongoing care, alleviating the potential harmful effects of social isolation. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects about 25 per cent of all women and…

A dental nurse living in Swansea who was being treated in the intensive care unit at Morriston Hospital has sadly passed away. Linnette Cruz, aged 51, had been admitted last month with COVID-19. She passed away on 14th April. Linnette was senior head nurse at the Brynteg dental practice in Sketty. She leaves a husband, Jeonardy, a son, Jeonard, a sister, Rose, and her parents. Linnette trained in the Philippines and came to Swansea a number of years ago. She qualified as a dental surgery assistant whilst working for Kee Dental Care and Parkway Clinic. She joined Brynteg as an…

Community Arts organisation Valley and Vale Community Arts has unveiled its new brand ‘Tanio’, alongside a mission to support communities in Cardiff and the valleys in the aftermath of Coronavirus.  Since the early 1980s – when Valley and Vale Community Arts was set up to help people in the Garw Valley document their experiences of the miners’ strike – it has championed the power of community arts to change lives. The charity, which has rebranded to ‘Tanio’, offers safe environments where people can develop new skills, confidence and self-esteem through art. One such project is the Oasis World Choir and…

A new tool has been launched by Cywain to help shoppers confined by the coronavirus pandemic to access fantastic Welsh food and drink at the click of a button. Movement restrictions brought in to fight the spread of COVID-19 mean home is the new high street, and shoppers are being urged to utilise products and services available online throughout Wales. With the specially designed producers’ map, keyboard shoppers can find a fantastic range of home-delivered Welsh food and drink, while supporting local enterprises. By logging on to https://menterabusnes.cymru/cywain/en/our-producers/ shoppers can access a map pinpointing a host of excellent food and drink…