Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities - two new Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines worth over £14,000 for the Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

Chest pain is a very common presentation at the Emergency Department which sees between 100 and 130 patients a day. ECG machines provide key information on a patient’s heart by measuring rhythm and electrical activity.

The additional ECG machines will help ensure that patients presenting with chest pain receive an assessment as quickly as possible.

Senior Nurse Manager at Pembrokeshire’s Withybush Hospital, Josephine Dyer said: “We are so grateful that generous donations from our local community have enabled us to purchase the two ECG machines for the Emergency Department.

“High numbers of patients present with chest pain and require an ECG, so we hope that having the additional machines will reduce waiting times and offer an improved patient experience,” she added.

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: "We are deeply thankful for the generous support from our local communities which allows us to offer services beyond what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda. Every donation we receive is greatly appreciated!"

Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The aim of the charity is to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The generous charitable donations received from patients, their families and local communities do not replace NHS funding, but are used to provide services and activities above and beyond what the NHS can provide.

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