Patients in mid Wales have been given a boost following the reopening – and renaming - of a Bronglais Hospital ward which underwent a series of improvement works over the summer.

The new Dyfi Ward – formerly Iorwerth, which historically managed patients with cardiac and respiratory conditions – opened last Monday following its temporary closure over the summer.

Following a staff ballot, the ward was renamed with two designations – Dyfi East, which now has a newly modelled Non-invasive Ventilation area for patients with complex respiratory conditions, and Dyfi West, which has modernised cardiac monitoring equipment for its patients.

The ward staff will work as a single team and this offers opportunities for skills exchange in the management of two distinct patient groups.

The ward has also been redecorated and improved with dementia-friendly colours.

Joe Teape, director of operations and deputy chief executive at Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce the opening of the new Dyfi Ward following a period of improvement and refurbishment works.

“The refurbishments were timed to take advantage of a period of the year when bed pressures are not as acute, and I would like to thank our estates teams who have done such a fantastic job and hope patients and visitors feel reassured that the ward is back open for business as usual.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now