News
Assurances sought over health board review

Mark Tierny: “I will play an active role”
A LABOUR Assembly candidate has written to Hywel Dda seeking assurances over the transparency of an upcoming review.
Marc Tierney, who will be standing in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has contacted the Hywel Dda Chief Executive Steve Moore after an independent evaluation of the changes in women and children’s healthcare in west Wales was announced at a meeting in Withybush Hospital last Thursday (May 28).
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) are due to undertake an independent evaluation. Hywel Dda has said that the review will ‘provide an impartial and expert evaluation, including representation from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, plus a midwifery, paediatric and neonatal nursing view, and a lay representative.’
The evaluation was commissioned by Hywel Dda University Health Board following a request by the Welsh Government Health Minister in January 2014 for a formal evaluation after 12 months of the service change on the ‘the impact of the revised neonatal service on newborn outcomes and patient experience’.
Changes to neonatal and maternity services were made in August 2014, when the University Health Board created a single site Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, and established a Midwife Led Unit in Withybush Hospital, with all high risk pregnancies being scheduled for birth, or transferred as necessary, to a Consultant Led Unit at Glangwili Hospital.
In October, the University Health Board also made changes to paediatric services, establishing a Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (or assessment unit) in Withybush Hospital, open 10am- 10pm seven days a week, and a PACU and inpatient paediatric ward at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.
Marc Tierney, who was present for the announcement of the review at the Health Board meeting last Thursday, said he believed it was important that the process is both transparent and understandable by staff and patients.
“The decision and subsequent removal of services last year was difficult and many of us shared our deep concerns about the process and implementation. The new management has listened to those concerns.
“But I want to be absolutely sure that the review’s terms of reference currently being written will be made public so that patients and staff fully understand the shape of the review and what potential outcomes are possible. The health service needs to prove it can once again be trusted with the way it makes these big decisions.
“To make that a reality, I hope that the Community Health Council (CHC) will play an active role in this review and that local residents who accessed women and children’s services since last August at either Withybush or Glangwili will take part. The health service must open to listening to those patient experiences, and I urge the public to come forward – either to the CHC or the Health Board so that their views are counted.”
The evaluation, scheduled to begin imminently, will assess the services against the benefit criteria identified in ‘Your Health Your Future,’ review the impact and outcomes of the neonatal service change, and determine how the current services meet recognised Royal College standards.
Speaking last week about the review, Mr Moore said: “We acknowledge that there has been significant public concern over the changes we made to some women and children’s services last year, particularly for our population in Pembrokeshire. For this reason, as well as assurance for us as a Board and our patients, an independent expert evaluation is essential.”
Anyone wishing to share their experience as a patient, or family member/ carer, can visit www.hywelddahb.wales. nhs.uk/myexperience and fill in a survey. You can also pick one up from the main reception at hospital or request one by calling 01554 899 056.
Entertainment
Cardigan musician to perform climate fundraiser concert
CLASSICALLY trained Cardigan musician Rosalind Powell will perform a concert of original alternative pop songs next month in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion.
The concert, Singing for the Future, takes place at St Mary’s Old School Hall, Cardigan, on Saturday, June 6, at 7:00pm.
Rosalind, who has a music degree from Cambridge University, is a composer, pianist and teacher of piano, singing and music theory.
The concert will show another side of her musicianship, with a programme of original songs drawn from her three albums, Sound Eagle, Circumference and Dragonfly.
It follows a successful recent launch event for Sound Eagle at the Cellar Bar.
Rosalind said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are issues that I care deeply about, and I’m so pleased to be able to give my support through music.
“Our future is threatened by the climate and nature crises, but so many people are doing positive things to improve the situation and bring us hope. I’m glad this fundraiser will help towards that.”
Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested price of £8, although those who cannot afford the full amount can pay less. Teas, coffees and cakes will also be available.
Rosalind’s Sound Eagle album recently received a warm review from The Pit London music site, which described it as “a dreamy and reflective world” and praised its blend of alternative pop, soft jazz influences and classical piano.
Rosalind said she has already been featured on 15 radio stations, will perform at Llangollen Fringe’s Music Around Town event in September, and is planning a West Wales tour later this year.
The concert falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Weather permitting, Cardigan Extinction Rebellion will also hold a street stall on Wednesday, June 10, giving away plants, seeds and information about gardening for wildlife.
News
Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident
Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response
A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to Redberth Croft on Tuesday evening (May 19), prompting a road closure while emergency services made the area safe.
The incident happened just off the A477 at Redberth, where a vehicle caught fire and rolled into a hedge and the new entranceway to Redberth Croft.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

In a statement shared on social media, Redberth Croft thanked firefighters for their rapid response.
The business said: “A huge thank you to the Fire Brigade for their swift response in safely putting out a car fire that rolled into our hedge and new entranceway at Redberth Croft.
“Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism and quick action of the emergency services.”
Photos from the scene show the vehicle completely burnt out, with extensive damage to the engine bay and interior, as firefighters worked nearby.
Motorists were warned to avoid the area while the road remained closed for safety reasons.
Redberth Croft added: “Please be aware that this is just off the A477 next to our new entrance, and the road is currently closed while the area is made safe. Please avoid the area and take care if travelling nearby.”
It is not yet known what caused the fire or whether any other vehicles were involved.

Photo caption:
Burnt out: Fire crews at the scene after a car rolled into the hedge near the entrance to Redberth Croft (Pics: Redberth Croft)
Community
Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power
Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord
TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.
Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.
Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.
The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.
The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”
Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.
Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.
Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”
Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”
Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”
Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.
His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.
For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.
Immediate family flowers only.
All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.
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January 5, 2026 at 7:33 pm
Such a well-structured and engaging article. Thank you!