Here goes the heart!

Great to be up in Ebbw Vale again for another visit to the National Eisteddfod. There’s such a wide range of stands to visit and I particularly liked the science and technology pavillion.  Perhaps it’s a good job I didn’t make medical school when I failed to remove the organs from the ‘body’ very accurately!  This hands on approach really appeals to youngsters and they all seemed to be having a great time.

MPs Simon Hughes and Roger Williams get competitive with maggots!

Next was the maggot race! But seriously – maggots are used to clean up infections ad the BMA stand had some really good examples of how they are used to help patients with diabetes.

The British Heart Foundation explained their targeted projects such as tackling childhood obesity in Torfaen.  It will be really interesting to see the results of this intensive scheme.

Veronica discusses Red Cross projects

The Red Cross explained their project to prevent hospital readmissions with elderly patients.  The project in North Wales had some brilliant results.

I am convinced the third sector will have an important role in delivering services such as these in the future in such a cost effective and patient centred way.

Macmillan provide a fantastic service to people from the moment they are diagnosed with cancer.  Help and advice about benefits and fuel bills as well as the work we all know about helping patients and their families cope with the disease.  Here Becky explains What Macmillan do