Community
New guide for older people on accessing GP practices in Wales
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Unpaid-Carers-story.jpg)
THE OLDER People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide to help older people and their families better understand their rights when accessing their GP practice, and the kinds of services and support that should be available.
The Commissioner has published the guide after research she undertook earlier this year found that changes to the way services are delivered, and the changing roles of health professionals working with GP practices, have left many older people struggling to find suitable appointments.
The guide includes information on a range of topics, from communicating with your practice, to finding the right service and professional, to the support that should be offered to help meet your needs, to what you can do if you’re not happy with the service you are receiving. The guide also includes contact details for organisations that can provide help and support to older people and their families, including the Commissioner’s own Advice and Assistance Service.
The guide was developed with support from older people, as well as health professionals and other key stakeholders, and is being distributed to every GP practice in Wales, as well as to older people via community-based organisations.
Versions of the guide are available in BSL, Audio and Easy Read formats, alongside summaries in other languages.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “As we get older, accessing GP practices often becomes a more prominent part of our lives and can play an important role in helping us to stay healthy and independent.
“One of the key findings from my recent ‘Access to GP Practices’ report was that many older people are unsure about what services are available from their GP practice and what they are entitled to.
“That’s why I have produced this guide, to empower older people and their families, and help them better understand their rights when accessing GP practices.
“This will help people feel more confident when making appointments and engaging with their GP practice, better understand the services and support they are entitled to, and feel more empowered to raise issues or concerns.”
Alongside launching her information guide, the Commissioner has also published a progress report3, which provides an update on the action taken in response to her ‘Access to GP Practices’ report since its publication in March.
The progress report highlights the ways that the Welsh Government and health boards are using the Commissioner’s findings to shape policy and practice, as well as the commitments made by other key organisations to deliver action to improve older people’s experiences.
The Commissioner added: “I was pleased to see the positive response to my ‘Access to GP Practices’ report and welcome the action that’s already underway.
“It is now essential that policy- and decision-makers build on this and deliver further action against my recommendations, something my team will be pressing for and closely monitoring as we move forward.”
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mukka-scaled-e1725452296502.jpg)
THE local community has come together to raise thousands of pounds in memory of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle, a beloved taxi driver who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
Mr Boyle, 57, from Kilgetty, was killed in a collision involving two vehicles near Tenby on the evening of Monday, 2nd September. His death has sent shockwaves through the area, where he was widely known and respected. In the days since the accident, friends, family, and customers have expressed their grief, remembering Mr Boyle for his generosity and kindness. His family remarked that he was “the kind of man who would do anything for anyone”.
A fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support Mr Boyle’s five children has so far raised almost £13,700, with nearly 400 people contributing. One particularly generous individual has donated £750.
Gabriel Nowak, a colleague and fellow taxi driver, organised the fundraiser, stating: “I don’t think there’s anyone in Tenby or Pembrokeshire who didn’t know Mucker. His friendly face and his sense of humour will be missed by so many.”
“Chris was always there for people, whether it was squeezing in an extra lift or knocking a bit off the fare to make sure someone got home safely. Now it’s our turn to give back to him,” Mr Nowak added.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mukkabw.jpg)
Tributes have poured in, with friends and colleagues sharing fond memories of the late cabbie and expressing their sorrow over the loss of someone who was seen as a key figure in the community.
Chris Boyle’s funeral is set to take place at St Mary’s Church in Tenby on Friday, 27th September at 10:00 am, followed by a committal service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12:15 pm. The funeral procession will pass through Kilgetty at approximately 11:45 am, allowing those who wish to pay their respects to do so.
Funeral directors W. & M.J. Rossiter & Sons, based in Tenby, shared a heartfelt message on behalf of Mr Boyle’s family: “Chris was a deeply loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by his children Daniel, Chloe, Leah, Jimmy, and Tommy J, as well as his siblings Liz, David, and Lisa.”
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Firefighters Charity in Chris Boyle’s memory. Donations can be sent via the funeral directors.
Additionally, local rock and blues band Karma will be dedicating their upcoming performance at the Lawrenny Arms on Saturday, 14th September to Mr Boyle. A collection will be held during the event, with proceeds going to The Firefighters Charity.
A man has been charged in connection with the fatal accident. Mateusz Sikorski, 30, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his silver Volkswagen collided with a brown BMW near Penally on the A4139.
Mr Sikorski appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5th September and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 7th October.
Dyfed-Powys Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 405 of Monday, 2nd September. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The loss of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle has deeply impacted the local community, and the outpouring of support for his family is a testament to how cherished he was by those who knew him.
Community
Saundersfoot Annual Vintage Motorcycle Event showcases classic machines
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4FDD5718-217C-41D6-9BAB-6867B28C9063_1_201_a.jpeg)
ON SATURDAY (Sept 7), Saundersfoot came alive with the roar of nearly 100 vintage motorcycles as the annual Saundersfoot Vintage Motorcycle Event hit the coastal roads of South Pembrokeshire. Enthusiasts and spectators alike were treated to the sight of beautifully restored bikes from a bygone era, as they cruised westward out of the village.
The event, a local favorite, drew riders and fans from across the region to celebrate the engineering marvels of the past. It was a day filled with nostalgia, as the sound of classic engines echoed through the scenic routes.
Check out the photos from the event, captured by Malcolm Richards, to relive the vintage spectacle, on our Facebook page.
Community
Blue Lagoon temporarily closed to protect seals and their pups
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pups.jpg)
ONE of Pembrokeshire’s most popular coastal attractions is to be temporarily closed to swimmers in a bid to protect breeding seals and their pups.
The National Trust will be closing the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy on Saturday, September 21, and it will remain closed until the beginning of November. The date of its re-opening is yet to be decided.
The nearby beach at Traeth Llyfn will also be closed for the same period.
Visitors will still be able to watch the seals and their pups in their natural habitat from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Anyone who may come across seals and their pups in other parts of Pembrokeshire is asked to avoid disturbing them and follow the Marine Code. This involves staying quiet, keeping at least 50 metres away from them, and never coming between a seal and her pup. Dogs must also be kept on leads at all times and kept away from the breeding areas.
-
Crime3 days ago
Man who threatened to chop off teenage girl’s ears given community sentence
-
Crime7 days ago
Three men in charged with kidnap following attack on west Wales man
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Mary Poppins star Glynis Johns laid to rest in West Wales
-
Crime5 days ago
Burglary at Royal Mail Sorting Office in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime6 days ago
Woman charged with murder of six-year-old boy in Swansea
-
Crime2 days ago
Taxi driver’s death leads to death by dangerous driving charge
-
News7 days ago
Former Tasker Milward pupil Matt Bush claims Taekwondo Gold
-
Crime6 days ago
How Dyfed-Powys Police cracks down on the drug gangs exploiting West Wales