Two hospitals have benefitted from donations - with new ventilators for babies.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has funded five new ventilators for Glangwili and Bronglais hospitals' neonatal units. The ventilators are worth more than £120,000.

These state-of-the-art ventilators incorporate the latest technology and meet best practice standards for infants born prematurely or with respiratory problems.

The use of 'volume guaranteed' ventilation makes these machines particularly protective of the lungs of premature infants, potentially reducing the rates of chronic lung disease.

The new machines provide all necessary respiratory support and perform functions currently delivered by three separate machines.

Nick Davies, service delivery manager for acute paediatric and neonatal services, said: "We are delighted that generous charitable donations from our local communities have enabled us to buy these five ventilators, four for Glangwili and one for Bronglais.

"The new ventilators will help us to provide the very best care in our neonatal services."

The advanced functionality of the new ventilators ensures controlled delivery of oxygen to patients, minimising the risk of lung damage, particularly in pre-term infants.

Bethan Osmundsen, senior nurse for acute paediatrics and interim senior nurse for neonates, said: "As the new machines have improved functionality, they will reduce the amount of equipment at the cot side and also reduce the need for staff to use multiple machines during an episode of care.

"Staff will only require training on one piece of equipment rather than three."

Nicola Llewelyn, head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: "We are delighted that donations from our local communities have enabled us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for neonatal services which will benefit patients and families for years to come.

"The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive."

To find out more about the charity and how you can support NHS patients and staff, visit the Hywel Dda Health Charities website.