Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

12/10/2026

“The best time to register with a GP at university is before you need one.”

Current student Aliese is reminding new students of the importance of registering with a GP.

It’s important you have access to a GP whilst studying at university, so you can get the support you need, when you need it. You’ll also be able to get free NHS prescriptions.

Registering is easy, simply collect a form from the practice itself or use the online form on our website.

12/10/2026

Got a two or three-year-old? Protect them from flu this autumn and winter.

If your child was aged two or three on 31 August 2026, they’ll be invited to their GP practice for a free nasal spray flu vaccination.

But why is it so important to get your toddler protected?

Sophie Morgan, Operational Health Visiting Manager, explains why the flu vaccine can help keep your little one safe over the next few months.

12/10/2026

The Minor Injuries Unit at Barry Hospital is an appointment-only service designed to treat a range of minor injuries or illnesses.

These can include:
• Limb injuries (broken bones or fractures)
• Wounds, grazes and minor burns
• Head or face injuries provided there is no loss of consciousness

The Minor Injuries Unit is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4pm, including bank holidays. Call 111 to book an appointment.

Get seen by the right person, in the right place, first time.

11/10/2026

Knowing where to go for the right medical help isn't always easy.

The Emergency Unit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to treat emergency and life-threatening conditions only.

If you are not sure whether your condition is an emergency, visit the NHS 111 Wales website or call 111.

The NHS 111 Wales call operators will advise you on the right place to get treatment for your condition - this may be the Urgent Out of Hours Service, the Minor Injuries Unit, your GP, a community pharmacy or the Emergency Unit.

11/10/2026

❗​ PLEASE SHARE​❗​

Our Emergency Unit is extremely busy, which is resulting in longer waiting times for treatment.

Please only attend if it is an emergency.

NHS 111 Wales is a free, 24/7 non-emergency healthcare advice service available to everyone in Wales online or on the phone.

The service is run by trained healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice and guide you to the right care.

🌐Visit https://orlo.uk/fth2D
📞Call 111
🚨 If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, always call 999

If you are waiting for a call back from NHS 111 Wales, please be assured that an adviser will contact you as soon as possible. They will be able to discuss your symptoms and advise on the most appropriate care to meet your needs.

10/10/2026

Health Board colleagues are working in partnership with charity Mental Health Matters to provide additional support for patients with dementia and cognitive decline during their hospital stay.

Gabriel, Fran and Dave are activity workers for Mental Health Matters and help to run a range of therapeutic activities like creative writing, arts, crafts and gardening, as well as live entertainment at different hospital sites across Cardiff the Vale, particularly St Davids Hospital, which mainly cares for patients aged 65+.

Gabriel and the team recall one patient they supported telling them: “I might be going home Friday but I’ll miss Mondays. I’ve loved dancing with you.” Others have also got involved in activities they haven’t tried since they were a child.

Ruth Cann is a Consultant Nurse specialising in care for older, vulnerable adults. She said: “You can’t underestimate the value of the work being done by Mental Health Matters on our wards, it gives our patients purpose, helps them regain strength and boosts their wellbeing, but it is also a morale boost for our staff. The support we have from Mental Health Matters takes some of the pressure off our healthcare teams.”

Visit the website to read more.

09/10/2026

🌟 Nominate your Health Hero!

Do you know a staff member who has gone above and beyond to provide outstanding care? Say thank you by nominating them as a Health Hero!

If you’ve met a member of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board team who has made a meaningful difference to you or a loved one - whether that’s in hospital, in the community or elsewhere - we want to hear about them.

Submitting a nomination is quick and easy and we will announce a new Health Hero winner every month. Nominate 👇

💙 As a special thank you, Park Plaza Cardiff is generously providing each winner a free experience, giving them a well-deserved moment to relax and unwind.

09/10/2026

More than 30 years on, Fiona still remembers the care and compassion shown by staff who worked together to make sure her mum could meet her newborn grandson. It's a memory her family will always treasure. 💙

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

Today, on World Sight Day, meet Nicole and Jessica, Bereavement and Tissue Donation Specialist Nurses at the University Hospital of Wales. They joined Cardiff and Vale University Health Board a year ago to help launch and develop the first dedicated Eye Retrieval Service in Wales.

Since the service launched, 30 bereaved families have chosen, during one of the most difficult times in their lives, for their loved one to donate their eyes, giving the gift of sight to up to two people.

Nicole said: "We continue to be amazed by families' willingness and generosity to help other people see again after their loved one has passed away."

"Our advice is to discuss your decisions about tissue donation with your nearest and dearest, so they are better able to support your wishes after your death.

"It's also important to recognise that we couldn't do this work without the fantastic mortuary team, who carry out eye retrievals with the utmost respect for every donor."

❤️ We thank the donors, their families and everyone involved in the Eye Retrieval Service. Find out more about tissue and eye donation on the NHS Blood and Transplant website. 👇