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Paul Sartori: ‘We want all cancer patients on Ward 10’

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withybushhosp-5464760The Paul Sartori Foundation has given a cautious welcome to the statement released by the Hywel Dda Health Board but have expressed concerns.

“We welcome the assurance from the Health Board that Ward 10 is not to close.  However, we are concerned that there does not seem to be any explicit commitment to placing all cancer patients on Ward 10.  Paul Sartori would also like to have an assurance that all patients requiring specialist palliative care – not all of whom have cancer – will also be accommodated on Ward 10.

Paul Sartori’s Clinical Service Manager, Sophie Thomas, told The Herald:  “In the 36 years I have been nursing, the level of specialist skills and knowledge required has increased enormously.  At the same time, patient expectation has also increased.  It is simply not reasonable to expect the nursing staff on a respiratory, cardiac or general medical ward to maintain the level of knowledge required to provide effective care to cancer and palliative care patients.  Patients need information and support to help them make difficult and complex decisions, as well as skilled physical nursing care.”

“Pembrokeshire is fortunate to have a skilled and experienced team of highly committed nurses and healthcare assistants on Ward 10.   The lack of oncology and palliative care medical staff makes it more important than ever that we use the Ward 10 team effectively.  Preserving Ward 10 as specialist cancer, haematology and palliative care ward will also help the county’s other providers of specialist cancer and palliative care support,  such as PSF, to focus their attention where it is most needed.”

“Pembrokeshire does not have hospice inpatient beds, specialist palliative care outpatient clinics or any palliative care medical staff.  But we do have some excellent cancer and palliative care nurses.  We need to make the most of them.”

The Foundation is also pleased to hear that the Health Board is looking at ways of attracting more candidates to the post of Consultant in Specialist Palliative Care, and hopes to be able to contribute its ideas to these discussions.

Sophie Thomas said: “There are plenty of good things to say about palliative care in Pembrokeshire.  More people in Pembrokeshire die in their usual place of residence than anywhere else in Wales.  I think this is a reflection of good primary care services, care homes that are keen to go the extra mile to keep people where they want to be, and the high level of input the Paul Sartori Foundation can provide thanks to the unstinting support of the Pembrokeshire people.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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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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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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