Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda honoured with Chief's Fire Officers Commendation Award

Nurses and staff from Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda (YCR) have been honoured with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officers Commendation award following their quick thinking and brave actions.

In the early hours of Sunday morning on the 7th of March 2021, firefighters were called to reports of a fire within the Crucible ward at the hospital. Thankfully, due to the quick response and resilience of the staff, they were able to safely evacuate all 27 patients on the ward with no serious injuries reported.

By utilising their fire training knowledge, staff followed safety protocol by using escape routes and closing fire doors which helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading and endangering lives. As a result, the fire only affected one area of a hospital ward and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and secure the area.

The award was presented to staff at the hospital by Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway QFSM on the 17th August 2021.

CTM UHB Executive Nurse Director, Greg Dix added “All CTM staff undergo regular fire safety training and this demonstrates shows how they used their knowledge to act accordingly to ensure the safety of all patients and their fellow staff. We are very proud of their swift actions and are an excellent example of team work. We are also very proud of the acknowledgment by the Chef Fire Officer award.”

Head of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Operations Department Area Manager Garry Davies said: “This award is a Team Commendation and is to celebrate their dedication to not only protecting their patients, but working together and supporting each other as a team. It is essential to invest in fire safety training as it will ultimately save lives. As the officer in charge of the incident at the hospital, the quick actions of the hospital trained staff on the scene assisted in the evacuation, containing of the fire and the return to normality of the hospital ward. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews remained at the scene to assist with clearing the effects of the fire and were assisted by teams from the hospital, which is further evidence of how working together achieves a positive outcome. ”

Senior Nurse for Cwm Taf University Health Board Leanne Davies said:

“We are extremely proud and thankful to all of our staff for their actions on the night of the incident. By working as a team they ensured the safety of both patients and staff on the wards and without their quick thinking, this situation could have been very different. The staff involved went above and beyond in a situation that no one would ever expect or hope to be faced with. They are a credit to us and are fully

deserving of this commendation. It was an honour to be presented with this award and it has reinforced the bravery and resilience shown by staff when faced with a dangerous situation."