News
Cancer care chaos at Withybush

Standing together: The Herald supports saving services at Withybush
IN THIS week’s Pembrokeshire Herald (Sept 26), we have published an exclusive story detailing the turmoil in cancer services at Withybush General Hospital.
We have revealed that instead of appointing a consultant cancer specialist to Withybush, the Local Health Board appointed a locum to Bronglais Hospital in Aberyswtwyth, which has under half the acute admissions of Withybush.
In the absence of a consultant, direct admissions of cancer patients in need cannot be made to Ward 10.
The Local Health Board failed to advertise for a replacement for Dr Anne Barnes MBE, despite having six months notice of her retirement.
The Board had not informed the national organisation – responsible for training all new doctors in Wales – of the crisis until this week.
After we went to print yesterday afternoon, we received the statement below from the Local Health Board.
The press statement from the Local Health Board reads: “Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital has not closed and any speculation to suggest it is closing is inaccurate. Ward 10 provides care to patients with both specialist cancer needs and general medical problems and is continuing to provide specialist nursing care to cancer patients.”
“Due to well-publicised recruitment problems, there is currently no full-time specialist consultant on site. We do, however, have part time consultant expertise supporting our experienced general physicians and support from consultant oncologists based at Singleton Hospital.”
“The University Health Board is taking a number of actions to address this situation including recruiting to locum posts in all areas and recruiting agency staff. In addition, we are working closely with ABMU Health Board to improve oncology recruitment and are currently reviewing the job description of the palliative care consultant post to attract more candidates”
“We would like to assure local people and patients that Ward 10 continues to care for patients with cancer and the university health board is entirely committed to the appointment of a full-time palliative care consultant.”
We stand by our story.

Stephen Crabb: The news is “deeply concerning”
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, has reacted to the story in The Herald. The Minister has criticised the effective withdrawal of specialist cancer services from Withybush Hospital.
Commenting on the revelations, he said: “The news that Withybush is set to lose specialist Oncology and palliative care is deeply concerning. Just weeks ago, local people were reassured that there was a green light for a new Ward 10 and Cancer Day Unit moving forward.”
“Yet we now hear that Cancer patients will be assessed in A & E and then treated on non-specialist wards. Strong concerns have been raised about staffing levels in relation to Oncology – the whole situation seems chaotic.”
“From the outside it appears that the public have been misinformed. I will shortly be holding a meeting with the Chair of the Hywel Dda Health Board and will be pressing her for a thorough explanation about this episode.”
“From SCBU to Paediatrics to Surgery and now Oncology, Pembrokeshire people are sick and tired of seeing local health services carved up in this fashion. There is no question in my mind that there is a sustained campaign to chip away at local health services, with local people fobbed off time and again with empty promises and worthless reassurances.”
Education
Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed
PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.
Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.
He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.
The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.
“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.
“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”
Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.
The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
Crime
Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court
15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises
POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.
The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.
“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.
“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”
In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.
Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.
The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.
Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
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mrs jean price
September 27, 2014 at 9:00 pm
this is now beginning to be the wrong place to live, if your ill .local people have a long way to travel for any treatment. visiting when people needs there family most around them has becoming difficult. so sad