WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL in Haverfordwest was placed under lockdown earlier today (Tuesday, Dec 3) as a precaution following a potential threat. The lockdown, which temporarily restricted access to the site, has now been lifted, with services resuming across the hospital.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that no one was harmed during the incident and that police provided assistance on-site. A spokesperson for the health board stated:

“Lockdown procedures were put in place at Withybush Hospital as a precaution for staff and patient safety.

“No one was harmed, and police assisted on-site. The site followed established lockdown procedures due to a potential threat.

“Access to the site and the hospital was restricted for a short period of time. This situation is now resolved, and access to the site has been re-established.

“We would like to thank staff, patients, and our partners for their assistance in managing this situation.”

The Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital remains busy, and members of the public are being urged to attend only for life-threatening emergencies. For non-urgent medical advice, people are encouraged to use the NHS Wales symptom checker online or contact NHS 111 Wales.

Dyfed-Powys Police, who were seen in large numbers at the hospital, did not disclose details about the nature of the incident but confirmed they had been supporting the health board.

Patients with cancelled appointments are being contacted as staff work to rearrange disrupted schedules.

HYWEL DDA University Health Board has today announced the appointment of Lisa Gostling as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Lisa has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive at the health board on an interim basis since February this year, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, which was announced in October.

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive Officer, at Hywel Dda said: “I am delighted that, following a competitive process, Lisa is appointed to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a responsibility that she will hold in addition to her post of Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.”

Lisa relocated from the West Midlands to Pembrokeshire and developed her career within the workforce and organisational development teams at the Health Board. She has worked for Hywel Dda and its predecessor organisations since 1993.

Since 2015, she has been a member of the Executive team and Board as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development. Since February this year, she also held the role of interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She holds a CIPD qualification from Sandwell College and is a keen Welsh learner.

Phil continues: “Lisa’s innovative approach to recruitment and to staff development has been of great benefit to our health board – including the development of our culture and values that shapes our work every day, and the establishment of the Apprenticeship Program that has seen us enable several local people to join our Hywel Dda teams and develop their career with us.

“Lisa has also been instrumental in supporting our work to reduce our dependency upon agency staffing and building our substantive workforce – ensuring greater sustainability and quality in our teams.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa in her new role and wish her every success for the future.”

Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, added: “It is an honour to be appointed to this position and support Phil, our Board, and our teams across the health board in delivering health care for our communities.

“I look forward to building on the foundations of the past six months and working with our team of staff who are all dedicated to improving the health and well-being of current and future generations.”

IN a time when healthcare services are stretched thin across the UK, Pembrokeshire stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation with the upcoming opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store in Haverfordwest. Thanks to a transformative £1.2 million investment, the county is poised to benefit from world-class eye and hearing care when the new store opens its doors on Monday, December 16, 2024.

This state-of-the-art facility, situated at 21 Riverside Quay in the Riverside Shopping Centre, is set to revolutionize local healthcare with 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites. Not only does this make it the largest Specsavers in Wales, but it also places it among the most advanced in the UK. At a time when accessing NHS services can be challenging, the store’s cutting-edge technology and expanded clinical services offer a lifeline to residents, relieving pressure on GPs, hospitals, and A&E departments.

Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, highlighted the importance of this development: “Our investment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional eye and hearing care in Pembrokeshire. This isn’t just about a bigger store – it’s about meeting the needs of our growing community, introducing advanced clinical services, and training the next generation of optometrists.”

The new store is also a hub for education, supporting optometrists pursuing higher qualifications in areas like Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing. This ensures Pembrokeshire residents have access to top-tier care while nurturing a future generation of specialists.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Specsavers reveals a critical gap in awareness about eye health. Nearly 70% of Welsh adults don’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related issues, often turning to overstretched NHS services instead. By encouraging patients to make opticians their first point of contact for issues like sudden vision loss or painful eyes, Specsavers aims to change this narrative.

Britton elaborated: “Optometrists are equipped to handle many urgent eye issues, often faster and more effectively than traditional NHS routes. By improving awareness, we’re not only providing faster care but also reducing unnecessary strain on the NHS.”

The grand reopening event promises to be a celebration of both innovation and community spirit, featuring live music from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and appearances by local dignitaries, including Pembrokeshire mayors. Specsavers has also committed to a year of community-focused initiatives in 2025, cementing its role as more than just a business – but a vital part of Pembrokeshire life.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, praised the investment: “At a time when many towns are struggling, Specsavers’ decision to invest in Haverfordwest demonstrates confidence in our community’s future. This new store is not just a healthcare milestone – it’s a cornerstone of our town’s regeneration.”

With flexible seven-day-a-week hours and a commitment to both innovation and accessibility, Specsavers Haverfordwest is a shining example of how Pembrokeshire continues to defy national trends in healthcare decline. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Pembrokeshire is truly fortunate to have such a forward-thinking service at its heart, proving that even in challenging times, innovation and care can thrive.