News

12 hour A&E service would be ‘end game’ for Withybush Hospital

Published

9 years ago

December 1, 2014

Protest: Cardiff earlier this year

A LEAKED document has revealed 24 hour A&E services are to be cut at Withybush General Hospital and replaced with a 12-hour service, The Pembrokeshire Herald understands.

A report prepared by Dr Iain Roberston-Steele has been revealed on-line on the SWAT website. The letter states: “It is no longer possible to sustain a traditional 24/7 A&E service at Withybush General Hospital based on middle grade locums and locum consultants”.

Health Board chairman Bernardine Rees was asked by councillors at Full Council recently if the A&E would remain a 24 hour services seven days a week, but she did not confirm that it would.

The shocking document also reveals that since the downgrade in paediatric services overnight there has been increased burden on the out of hours service and that too is branded as “short staffed and at risk”.

The leaked letter says that staffing issues led to the latest crisis in the service, and that a solution needs to be found.Other services that Withybush should not provide services for patients where further or onward care is required will also include ENT, ophthalmology, urology, palliative care, oncology, paediatrics, gynaecology and other specialist services, according to the document.

“Limiting provision at WGH to those services at WGH which are fully staffed and skilled,” it adds.

SWAT chairman Dr Chris Overton told The Herald that the news was the “end game” for Withybush Hospital. He added: “As predicted for many many years, there will be nothing much will be left at the hospital”

The hospital action group has previously raised concerns that the knock on effect of services removal will result in changes having to be made at Withybush A&E.

Stephen Crabb MP told The Herald: “This leaked document appears to confirm our worst fears about what Hywel Dda and Mark Drakeford have got planned for Withybush. A dark cloud is hanging over the future of our hospital.”

“The removal of a 24 hour A&E service from Withybush is just unacceptable. The Welsh Health Minister should stop hiding away in Cardiff and come down to Pembrokeshire to either denounce these reckless plans or explain why he thinks they make our community safer. People in Pembrokeshire deserve more than behind-the-scenes plotting.”

“Today the UK Government is giving Welsh Ministers an extra £70 million as a result of the increase in English NHS spending. I have asked that the Welsh Government confirm that it will use this money solely for Welsh health services. After all the recent cuts to services, Pembrokeshire should be first in the queue for this spending.”

Party of Wales Mid and West Assembly Member Simon Thomas said: “This is another broken promise on the Welsh NHS by Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay. I will demand answers from the Welsh Government in the Senedd at the first opportunity to do so on this issue. The people of Pembrokeshire deserve better A&E services.”

“This development about emergency services at Withybush Hospital is very concerning indeed. Welsh Ministers rejected my concerns that losing 24/7 paediatrics would undermine the long term viability of A&E.

“I suspected this but I am amazed it has come so soon. The people of west Wales have been misled by Labour. A Plaid Cymru Welsh Government would recruit 1,000 extra doctors. We would train new doctors to keep services local.”

South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart said: “I have not seen first-hand the report that SWAT refers to but if it is accurate, then everything we feared is coming true. This is death by a thousand cuts for Withybush. Hywel Dda Health Board has struggled with these staffing issues for years and has yet to solve the problem. If they are going to use “staff shortages” as an excuse to close any department where they can’t recruit then this will become self fulfilling. We already know that one reason for the GP shortages in the county is the uncertainty over the future of the hospital. Mark Drakeford and the Welsh Government in Cardiff needs to get a grip of this situation and bring this uncertainty to an end.”

Commenting on reports that 24 hour Accident and Emergency, and other specialist services are to be removed from Withybush Hospital, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Kirsty Williams AM said: “This news is obviously a huge blow to communities across Pembrokeshire, especially all the campaigners that have worked tirelessly to keep their local services open. A quick response is vital for people suffering from trauma and accidents, and cutting 24 hour A&E cover could well put lives at risk.

“The fact that these services are seen as unsustainable at all shows that there is a major recruitment crisis in our NHS that the Welsh Labour Government seems determined to ignore. I have been repeatedly calling for a cross-party commission with doctor, nurse and patient representatives to sort out the major problems and plan for the future of our NHS. Today’s news shows that this commission can’t come soon enough.”

William Powell, the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Mid and West Wales, added: “Having supported local campaigners in their efforts to protect these services since 2006, this is obviously a huge disappointment. Removing specialist services and a full A&E from Withybush will leave it as nothing more than a glorified cottage hospital, with no equivalent services for miles around.

“With a health board intent on centralising services and a Welsh Labour Government content with them doing so, the people of Pembrokeshire deserve better.”

Spekaing for the Health Board, Medical Director Dr Sue Fish said: “I would like to reassure staff and members of the public that the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre at Withybush General Hospital remains open 24-hours a day and the University Health Board continues to be committed to the long term provision of this service. Senior clinicians continue to meet, and indeed clinicians and managers from across Hywel Dda are meeting today, to discuss how we continue to maintain safe, high quality services with ongoing and significant recruitment challenges. These challenges are faced by many NHS organisations across the UK and are a particular challenge at Withybush EUCC currently. The document referred to is the viewpoint of a single consultant at one point in time and represents no decision by the University Health Board. Changes to paediatric services at the hospital have not resulted in this position, which is a reflection of the ongoing recruitment challenges discussed.

Associate Medical Director for Quality and Safety Iain Robertson Steel added: “I would like to make it clear that this was a private and confidential paper that presents only one contribution from amongst a number being discussed and I am deeply distressed that this has been leaked without the full context.”

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Business

Welsh producers to showcase at UK’s leading food and drink show

Published

5 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES’ finest food and drink companies are gearing up to showcase their innovative spirit and exceptional quality produce at a pivotal show in the UK food and drink calendar.

The group includes 44 Welsh food and drink companies who will be attending the Farm Shop & Deli Show 2024 being held at the NEC in Birmingham between 29 April – 1 May. This event will serve as a prime opportunity for both established companies and emerging stars from Wales to exhibit their products to a national audience.

Supported by the Welsh Government, 13 of Wales’ well-known food and drink companies will be exhibiting on the Welsh Government Pavilion at the show. A further 20 Welsh up and coming and emerging stars will be exhibiting as part of the Cywain Showcase stand, while another 11 Welsh companies will be exhibiting for 1 day during the show on the Cywain Test Trading stand, these companies will change each day.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said, “The Farm Shop & Deli Show provides unparalleled opportunities for Welsh companies to showcase the exceptional quality and innovation of their products. These events are crucial for promoting Welsh products and reinforcing Wales’ reputation for quality and innovation in food and drink.

“The Welsh Government is dedicated to supporting our producers, ensuring they have the platforms needed to succeed and contribute to Wales’ reputation as a place of outstanding natural produce. We are committed to helping them thrive in these important markets and continue to build on Wales’ esteemed reputation.”

Welsh producers exhibiting as part of the Welsh Government Pavilion includes Calon Wen Organic Dairy, Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits Ltd, Crwst Ltd, Golden Hooves, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co, Mario’s Ice Cream, Morning Foods, Rural Foodies Ltd/Coco Pzazz, Snowdonia Cheese Company Ltd, The Anglesey Sea Salt Company/Halen Môn, Tregroes Waffles, Welsh Hills Bakery and Welsh Lady Preserves.

The 31 Welsh companies making up the showcase under the support of Cywain, a Welsh Government funded project that works with food and drink producers across Wales, helping them grow and develop their businesses, will feature products from alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheeses, rapeseed oil to preserves, sauces and spices.

Commenting on being part of the Welsh Government delegation, owner Alison Lea-Wilson from Anglesey sea salt company Halen Môn said, “We’ve attended Food & Drink Expo several times and always find it an interesting mix of people giving us a chance to stay updated on the food and drink industry. We’re looking forward to catching up with our current customers at the Farm Shop & Deli Show this year and are excited about the possibility of meeting new ones, particularly ingredient suppliers.

“It’s also our first time here as a B Corp business, which is a big step for us, and we’re launching our new Beetroot ketchup, adding a vibrant touch to our product line.”

Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits Ltd is set to feature their new Gluten Free range at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, with products ready to order alongside their traditional offerings. The company is also proud finalists for the Artisan Food and Drink Business of the Year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2024.

Reflecting on a year of innovation and growth, Allie Thomas from Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits said, “2023 was a pivotal year for Cradoc’s. We embarked on a journey of transformation, starting with a significant update to our packaging, which is our main sales tool and we invest as much as possible in protecting the authenticity of the Cradoc’s brand. Working with Zero2Five Food Industry Centre led to enhancements that resonate with our customers, emphasizing our Net Zero Carbon Manufacturing status and sustainability efforts.

“We have recently got the go ahead for our new gluten free bakery, which is testament to our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. We’re looking forward to seeing what visitors to these shows think of our new three gluten free flavoured crackers: Rosemary and Garlic, Chilli Ginger and Cumin and Cheddar Cheese and Chives.”

After a successful rebranding launch and a Farm Shop & Deli Gold Award win for their Traditional Mead at last year’s Farm Shop & Deli Show, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co are set to showcase their modern mead to a wider audience at this year’s show.

“Our presence at the Farm Shop & Deli Show is testament to our growth and the significant demand for our products over the last 5 years, but in particular within the last 12 months which has seen us stocked in Selfridges and in 3 Michelin Restaurants” says Kit Newell, Co-founder of Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co.

“Our rebranding to Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co in 2023 was a milestone of our progress and our commitment to modernising mead. This year, we’re not just expecting to showcase our products to those unfamiliar with contemporary mead; we’re here to forge lasting connections with larger retailers and regional distributors, and to reaffirm our relationships with those who have supported us from the start. The Farm Shop & Deli Show is more than an event for us—it’s a platform to test the pulse of the market, to ensure our products resonate with current trends through direct consumer feedback.”

“Our achievements, such as winning the Golden Fork Award for Wales, are symbols of our dedication to quality and taste. Alongside our flagship wine-style meads and modern sparkling varieties we will have our special edition meads that celebrate and support bee charities such as Bees For Development, made using honey from forests in Zambia. Our Spiced Honey Rum, launched in February, is the newest addition to our family of products, and we’re excited to see it take its place in the spotlight.”

Also, within The Restaurant Show, there will be a Geographical Indication (GI presentation) and tasting taking place on the Restaurant Stage between 15:30 – 16:15 on Monday 29 April.

Farm Shop & Deli Show is packed with new launches, fresh industry insights and trend-setting food and drink to help you get face-to-face with the people driving the market forward in 2024.

Whether you’re an independent farm shop, delicatessen, or artisan food outlet, you can help grow your business along with your passion at Farm Shop & Deli Show. At the show you’ll find all the big ideas to help you discover fresh thinking and practical tips and techniques to increase your profits with our exciting line up of live events and sessions. The show will also reveal the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2024.

Farm Shop & Deli Show will run alongside Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, The Forecourt Show and The Restaurant Show in 2024 as part of the UK Food & Drink Shows, bringing together the grocery, specialist retail, wholesale, foodservice and hospitality sectors under one roof. With over 1200 exhibitors and 25000+ visitors to five shows over 3 days, the event is a must-visit for anyone in the food and drink industry.

Other Welsh companies participating independently at the other shows include Cygnet Distillery, Dewkes Ltd, Gasm Drinks, Heartsease Farm, Meadowvale Foods, Peter’s Food Ltd, Brain Blasterz and Celtic Frozen Drinks.

Come and visit the Welsh food and drink companies at the Farm Shop & Deli Show from the 29 April – 1 May:

Welsh Government Pavilion | Hall 20 | Stands S160 & S170
Cywain Showcase Stand | Hall 20 | Stands S180, S190, S200
Cywain Test Trading Stand | Hall 20 | Stands S200

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with reaching new markets through trade event visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/growing-your-business/trade-events

Entertainment

Music at the Manor returns for an exciting evening of entertainment

Published

10 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE is proud to announce the return of Music at the Manor on Friday 10^th May at Scolton Manor for an evening of fantastic entertainment.

More than 150 Pembrokeshire young musicians will showcase their talents in the beautiful surroundings of Scolton.

This is the third Music at the Manor event, expanding on the success of previous years to bring an exciting evening of musical celebration from across Pembrokeshire.

Gates open at 4.30pm for a 6pm start and guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and arrive in plenty of time to relax, soak up the atmosphere and grab something to eat.

Food lovers will be well catered for with Daps Baps, Pembs Pizza co and Worley’s Ice-creams on hand and Absolute Events Bars to provide a drink to enjoy along with the music.

Face painting by the talented Gabrielle Swales will also be on offer.

Performing are:

Pembrokeshire Music Service (PMS) Youth String Orchestra
PMS Youth Wind Band
PMS Youth Brass Band
PMS Rock and Pop bands “Nebular” and “Broken Strings”
PMS Youth Woodwind ensemble
PMS Training Orchestra featuring the Second Steps ensemble players

Cleddau Chamber orchestra and Pembrokeshire Music Service Community Choir will also perform.

Compere for the evening is Ysgol Greenhill Headteacher David Haynes.

Tickets are £8, £4 Concessions and £18 family ticket.

You can purchase tickets online or alternatively contact Angela White on 01437 775202.

Tickets will be available on the night but to reduce potential for congestion please pre pay where possible.

Charity

New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat rescues stranded 26ft yacht

Published

19 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW QUAY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on service at 08:32 this morning to assist a 26ft yacht in difficulty a quarter of a mile from New Quay harbour.

Launching with four volunteer crew members, the D-class lifeboat, the Will Morgan, quickly located the vessel, with one person on board.

Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “The yacht had lost all means of propulsion, both sail and engine, and was unable to recover a fouled anchor.

“Having assessed the situation we decided that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to New Quay harbour. We placed two members of our crew on board, disconnected the anchor chain and began the tow.

“Having safely berthed the yacht alongside the harbour wall, we returned to station just after 09:30.”