New service at Bronglais will support victims of domestic abuse

A new charity-funded service to support victims of domestic abuse is set to go live at Bronglais Hospital.

The health advocate service has received over £59,000 of grant funding from NHS Charities Together, a national charity supporting NHS charities across the UK, and over £5,000 from Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official NHS charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The service is funded until the end of 2024.

Following a tender exercise, West Wales Domestic Abuse Services (WWDAS) has been awarded the contract to deliver the new service. It will be delivered by Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Denye Amadi (pictured) who is based in the emergency department at Bronglais.

Mandy Nichols-Davies, Head of Safeguarding at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The new service will offer support to victims of abuse that attend the emergency department and the Domestic Abuse Health Advocate will be their main point of contact.

“This health advocate role will not only provide an additional layer of support for those affected by abuse but will also support staff to respond as effectively as possible.”

Rachel Munkley, Lead Nurse – Violence Against Women, said: “This is a great opportunity to also increase the knowledge and confidence of emergency department staff so that they can support patients who are victims of domestic abuse and refer them to the appropriate help.

“Ultimately, we hope this will lead to a reduction in the amount of re-attendance at emergency departments for domestic abuse-related injuries and health concerns.”

Michelle Pooley, CEO of WWDAS, said: ”We are really pleased to be working with Hywel Dda and Bronglais Emergency Department to ensure an effective pathway of support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “NHS charities provide funding for services and activities above and beyond what the NHS can normally provide. We are delighted to have been able to support this important project which will bring so many benefits to patients and staff at Bronglais.”