News
Police take casualty to hospital: No ambulance available after four hour wait
THE BOSS of the Welsh Ambulance Service has apologised after a middle-aged woman, from Milford Haven, fell over and was left lying on grass, in bad weather, over four hours.
On Thursday (Nov 21) the woman had travelled from her home in Camuset Close to visit a nearby relative, but reportedly slipped and fell, suffering a suspected broken leg.
The police attended an incident, and despite an ambulance being called, and the woman being in terrible pain, four hours went by without any transport arriving to take he to hospital.
The Herald understands that whilst the woman was on the ground, in the rain, neighbours did their best to keep her warm with hot drinks and coats.
In the end, the police decided to break with protocol and take the woman to hospital themselves in a police car.
Officers had decided that there was no sign of paramedics turning up any time soon, and they had no choice, the Herald has been told.
Our readers contacted us to say that on the same day, their own relatives were stuck in the back of ambulances at the hospital for six hours or more due to pressures in the A&E department at Withybush. This was in response to the story we published last night on the pressures facing accident and emergency services in Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted the Welsh Ambulance Service for a comment.
Lee Brooks, Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said that he was “sorry to hear” about the woman’s experience and that it was caused by “high levels of demand for health and care services”
Mr Brooks said that “this is absolutely not the service we want to provide” and that October 2019 was our busiest month for life-threatening emergencies and the current data supports that November has been equally busy.
He added: “The public has a role to play too: please only call 999 or go to emergency departments in the event of a genuine emergency so that we can keep our staff and vehicles for those who need us most.
“For everything else, check out the symptom checkers on the NHS Direct Wales website, call NHS Direct Wales or 111 (if available in your area) or visit your GP or a pharmacist.”
Community
Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations
Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi
BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”
The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.
The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.
As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.
The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.
Local Government
Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond
COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.
Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.
According to the latest update:
• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents
Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.
Local Government
Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest
A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.
Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.
Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.
Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.
Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.
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