N E W S R O U N D - U P
N E W S R O U N D - U P
UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING NEEDS AFTER COVID Researchers behind a major new study charting how the people of Wales have coped with coronavirus are appealing for volunteers to share their experiences. The study, which is being led by Swansea University’s Professor Nicola Gray, is examining what impact coronavirus has had on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the Welsh population. All seven health boards in Wales are working together on the project, which is called Wales Wellbeing. Professor Gray said: “This is a very important area of research that will help the NHS to track the wellbeing needs of the population over the different stages of the pandemic. Our findings from this, and the subsequent surveys, will be given to each health board as they become available. They can then use these findings - and the raw data on which it is based - to see where and what kind of support is needed most and for which sectors of the population.” The research group led by Professor Gray, of the University’s College of Human and Health Sciences, also consists of Professor Robert Snowden of Cardiff University and Dr Chris O’Connor, Divisional Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Professor Gray said the group was grateful for the assistance of online electronic survey provider Qualtrics, and the immense support given by Stuart Williams and three Swansea University PhD students. She added: “It has been heart-warming to see how everybody is working together to try to help the NHS support Welsh people with their mental health and wellbeing needs through this pandemic I feel very proud to be Welsh at this time and to be part of the strong community within Swansea University.”
Professor Paul Boyle
CENTENARY FUNDS DIVERTED TO COVID RESEARCH AND STUDENT SUPPORT Swansea University, which this year is marking its centenary, is to channel funds that were previously earmarked for celebration events into fighting Covid-19 and championing innovation. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle made the announcement to staff and students saying that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all physical centenary events had been postponed to keep the University community safe, and instead a series of virtual events to mark the historic occasion would be held. The University has also repurposed £200,000 funding set aside for its centenary celebrations, along with donations received, to support talented academics, students and staff by providing grants for Covid-19 research and boosting the student hardship fund to help students directly affected by the pandemic. Professor Boyle said: “Since opening our doors 100 years ago we have innovated, collaborated and grown into a dual campus, world-class institution which serves its community, educates its people, tackles global problems and provides a home for so many. Our achievements have impacted the world in many ways, and we are extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone in our rich history. “While we are disappointed not to be celebrating in person with our staff, partners, alumni, students and friends, we must ensure the safety of our communities and acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many of the Swansea family. “We will also start working on a new programme of events which will take place once we can gather together safely in the future. “Despite the challenges currently facing the Higher Education sector, this is an important step which underlines our commitment to impactful research and caring for our students. These principles have been part of our fabric for 100 years and will continue to be as we look forward to our next century.”
USING GAS TO SPEED-CLEAN AMBULANCES
The ambulance cleaning team
A team of researchers from the College of Engineering has won funding to test a new method of sanitising ambulances after carrying a suspected Covid-19 positive patient, which would cut cleaning time from 45 minutes to under 20 minutes. Led by the Small Business Research Initiative Centre of Excellence and Welsh Ambulance Service, the challenge was to reduce the current turnaround time to deep clean a vehicle and get it back on the road. Swansea University was amongst the 12 top ranked bids securing funding. The team’s solution will see them test a new rapid-release gas treatment, which could remove Covid-19 contamination from surfaces and the air in under 20 minutes, eliminating the need for human cleaning. Support for the challenge has been provided by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and government scientists based at Porton Down. If trials are successful, the method could also be rolled out for other emergency services, public transport and hospital wards. Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Government Minister for Education, said: “Our universities and colleges have been at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus. I’m proud that a Welsh university has got through to the funding stage of the competition, demonstrating how our universities apply their academic expertise to meet the biggest challenges we face.”
Dr Chedly Tizaoui of Swansea University, chemical engineer and principal investigator of the project, said: “Swansea University is delighted to be working with the support of the Welsh Ambulance Service, Welsh Government and the Welsh SBRI Centre of Excellence to deliver a potential rapid solution for ambulance cleaning. It is a great opportunity for us to assist front line services and our health colleagues in the fight against Covid-19.”
Dr Tizaoui will be working on the project with colleagues Professor Dave Worsley and Professor Peter Holliman.
More information at Wales-wellbeing.co.uk
Dr Karen Perkins, one of the ambulance cleaning team
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