'Lifeline' centre under threat without new premises
The South West MS Therapy Centre near Exeter says it needs to find new premises. Source link
Mental health service helping South West paramedics at work
Jen SmithSouth West health correspondentBBCEmergency medical dispatcher Toria Ford said the counselling she had received had kept her in her jobParamedics have praised an ambulance service's mental health support service - with some saying it had kept them in the job.The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) - which has more than 6,000 employees and 650 volunteers - said demand for mental health support among its staff was at record levels.It said more than 1,600 staff members…
The 24/7 operation to keep South West ambulances on the road
Jen SmithSouth West health correspondentBBCThe vehicle preparation unit in Exeter is the biggest in the South West - serving 16 ambulances twice a dayA depot off the M5 near Exeter is home to the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust's (SWASFT) largest vehicle preparation unit.There are 13 of these sites across the greater south west – from Penzance to Gloucester.At this site alone, 16 ambulances are prepared, twice a day, to be ready for their next tasking.Between them,…
‘I’ve got young kids – I need to beat this’
Jen SmithSouth West health correspondentBBCZack Van Aarde from Bantham has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancerA man with stage four oesophageal cancer has been speaking about the shock of his diagnosis, and the importance of remaining positive.Zack Van Aarde, 42, from Bantham in Devon doesn't fit the mould of people usually diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which is commonly associated with smoking and obesity according to the NHS."It's a bit mind-boggling" he said, "because I've got stage four cancer, but…