PLANS to convert a vacant former coffee shop next to a Pembrokeshire seaside town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket to healthcare clinic have been approved.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Health Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former The Grind coffee shop, Supermarket Complex, Unit 3, Upper Park Road, Tenby to a private musculoskeletal healthcare clinic.

Tenby Town council recommended approval, saying: “Whilst councillors are disappointed in loss of retail, retail businesses have failed in the past. It will be good to have the space utilised and diversification may last longer,” adding it did not want empty units in the town.

Tenby Civic Society said: “Members of the executive committee felt these units have had a chequered history in retail use, and note that much needed renovation and re-marketing of the units has produced some new users whose lower footfall seems appropriate, though the issue of loss of retail use is disappointing.”

It did raise concern about the potential use of privacy film to the windows and prominent signage, which could affect the appearance of the courtyard, requesting that details of any such treatments be secured.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The applicant is Tenby Health Ltd, a private musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare clinic incorporated in Wales and operated by directors Hannah and Ben Horne. Ben is the sole practising clinician. The clinic provides the following services: chiropractic care, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, shockwave therapy, rehabilitation, and exercise-based programmes.

“Tenby Health serves both the resident population of Tenby and the surrounding area, as well as visitors to the national park.”

It added: “The clinic will operate on an appointment-only basis during regular working hours. Patient numbers at any one time will be limited to those attending individual appointments.

“The low-intensity, appointment-based nature of the clinic means there will be no material increase in noise, disturbance, or activity at the site compared to the previous use. Opening hours will be limited to typical daytime business hours.”

An officer report, recommending approval, said the concerns raised by Tenby Civic Society were acknowledged, but the current application sought permission solely for the change of use of the premises and associated internal alteration, with no changes mentioned by the society forming part of the application.

Of the scheme itself, it said: “The site forms part of an established commercial complex adjacent to Sainsbury’s supermarket and Tenby’s multi-storey public car park, where commercial activity is an established characteristic of the area.

“Given the nature of the proposed use, together with its location within an existing commercial environment, the development is not considered likely to give rise to unacceptable impacts in respect of noise, disturbance, overlooking, loss of privacy, odour or visual intrusion.”

The application was conditionally approved.

Final decision on proposals, including a central 24-hour stroke unit at Glangwili and treat-and-transfer services at Withybush, is expected in November

MORE than 3,000 people have taken part in discussions over the future of stroke services across west Wales as an eight-week public consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board comes to an end.

The consultation, which closed on Sunday, July 26, examined proposals that could see specialist acute stroke care concentrated at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Under the health board’s preferred option, Glangwili would host a 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit, while Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth would retain a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Bronglais, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest would provide “treat and transfer” services, with patients assessed and stabilised before being moved elsewhere for specialist care where necessary.

The proposals have prompted concerns about travel distances, ambulance capacity and access to urgent treatment, particularly for patients living in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Hywel Dda said it had received more than 700 questionnaire responses, while more than 3,000 people had taken part in 120 engagement events, meetings and activities.

The health board stressed that no final decision had yet been made.

Medical Director Mark Henwood said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a questionnaire, attend an event or share their views with us during this consultation.

“The response we have received reflects how important stroke services are to people across our communities and neighbouring health board areas.

“We know there has been considerable discussion about the proposals, and we appreciate the thoughtful and constructive way people have engaged with the consultation.

“We would like to reassure people that no decisions have been made.”

Stroke services are currently provided at all four of Hywel Dda’s main hospitals, including Withybush, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Bronglais.

However, the health board says the current system does not consistently meet national clinical standards and does not provide round-the-clock specialist stroke cover.

It argues that patients are more likely to achieve better outcomes when treated in specialist units with access to expert teams and equipment 24 hours a day.

Mr Henwood said patients should continue to call 999 immediately if they suspect someone is having a stroke.

He added: “Now, and in the future, patients will continue to be taken to the nearest appropriate hospital for urgent assessment and treatment.

“If specialist treatment such as a thrombectomy is needed, patients will continue to be transferred to specialist centres in Bristol or Cardiff.”

The health board said concerns raised about travel and patient transfers would be considered alongside input from the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and other national providers.

Mr Henwood said any future transport arrangements would be “carefully planned and modelled” to meet patients’ needs while protecting emergency ambulance capacity.

All feedback will now be reviewed alongside responses from the first phase of consultation in 2025, clinical evidence, data and updated impact assessments.

A full consultation report is expected to be presented to the Hywel Dda board in November, when a final decision on the future of stroke services is due to be made.

Any changes are likely to be introduced in phases.

The health board said patients would continue to access stroke services in the same way as they do currently until a decision is made and any new arrangements are implemented.

Final decision on proposals, including a central 24-hour stroke unit at Glangwili and treat-and-transfer services at Withybush, is expected in November

MORE than 3,000 people have taken part in discussions over the future of stroke services across west Wales as an eight-week public consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board comes to an end.

The consultation, which closed on Sunday, July 26, examined proposals that could see specialist acute stroke care concentrated at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Under the health board’s preferred option, Glangwili would host a 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit, while Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth would retain a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Bronglais, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest would provide “treat and transfer” services, with patients assessed and stabilised before being moved elsewhere for specialist care where necessary.

The proposals have prompted concerns about travel distances, ambulance capacity and access to urgent treatment, particularly for patients living in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Hywel Dda said it had received more than 700 questionnaire responses, while more than 3,000 people had taken part in 120 engagement events, meetings and activities.

The health board stressed that no final decision had yet been made.

Medical Director Mark Henwood said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a questionnaire, attend an event or share their views with us during this consultation.

“The response we have received reflects how important stroke services are to people across our communities and neighbouring health board areas.

“We know there has been considerable discussion about the proposals, and we appreciate the thoughtful and constructive way people have engaged with the consultation.

“We would like to reassure people that no decisions have been made.”

Stroke services are currently provided at all four of Hywel Dda’s main hospitals, including Withybush, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Bronglais.

However, the health board says the current system does not consistently meet national clinical standards and does not provide round-the-clock specialist stroke cover.

It argues that patients are more likely to achieve better outcomes when treated in specialist units with access to expert teams and equipment 24 hours a day.

Mr Henwood said patients should continue to call 999 immediately if they suspect someone is having a stroke.

He added: “Now, and in the future, patients will continue to be taken to the nearest appropriate hospital for urgent assessment and treatment.

“If specialist treatment such as a thrombectomy is needed, patients will continue to be transferred to specialist centres in Bristol or Cardiff.”

The health board said concerns raised about travel and patient transfers would be considered alongside input from the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and other national providers.

Mr Henwood said any future transport arrangements would be “carefully planned and modelled” to meet patients’ needs while protecting emergency ambulance capacity.

All feedback will now be reviewed alongside responses from the first phase of consultation in 2025, clinical evidence, data and updated impact assessments.

A full consultation report is expected to be presented to the Hywel Dda board in November, when a final decision on the future of stroke services is due to be made.

Any changes are likely to be introduced in phases.

The health board said patients would continue to access stroke services in the same way as they do currently until a decision is made and any new arrangements are implemented.