News
Withybush petition surpasses 10,000 signatures
THE PETITION opposing the ‘drastic changes’ to Withybush hospital has already received over 10,500 signatures.
It was revealed in last week’s proposals by the Hywel Dda University Health Board, that all of the options involve the downgrading of Withybush from a general hospital to a community facility.
The proposed changes would see Withybush left with non-medical beds, minor injuries and midwife-led maternity units and could carry out tests and scans.
Tenby would also have a summer minor injuries unit, whilst greater emphasis would be placed on caring in communities to mitigate the transport issues faced by the frailer, older population.
The Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) which currently provides care from 10am until 6pm at Withybush will be removed and put into the new build between Narberth and St Clears.
It is not known yet whether services such as audiology, child development or backroom testing in the microbiology and biochemistry labs will stay or also be transferred to the new General hospital.
Having started the petition late Sunday evening (Apr 22) it has quickly gathered momentum amongst the displeased populace of Pembrokeshire, voicing their disappointment in the proposals put forth by the Health Board.
Although Hywel Dda has stressed no decisions have been made yet, and have reiterated that the consultation is open until July 12, many feel that it merely gives the illusion of discussion, and that plans to downgrade Withybush have been in place for some time.
In a Facebook comment after the petition was released, Mr Bamford-Lewis said: “They know what they’ve picked before they’ve picked it. The consultation is just lip service.”
The Save Withybush Action Team have also spoken out, offering a similar view, saying: “So the so-called ‘consultation’ has started. Options A, B & C aren’t really options at all.”
The Hywel Dda Health Board explained that the current situation regarding healthcare in west Wales is ‘unsustainable’ and Chief Executive Steve Moore said that the option of ‘doing nothing’ had been considered but that this was no longer possible.
The Health Board has the largest budget deficit in NHS Wales, of roughly £69m, up to 500 staff vacancies each month which must be counteracted by paying a premium and the local NHS currently sees 150,000 patients a week, with population growth combined with an increasingly ageing demographic stretching the system.
The petition can be found: https://www.change.org/p/
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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