News
‘Working together’ improve Oncology services
HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has given a commitment to Pembrokeshire Cancer patients and fundraisers that a new state-of-the-art Chemotherapy Day Unit, which they have worked so hard to bring to fruition, will be provided at Withybush General Hospital. The University Health Board has met with representatives from local Cancer charities in Pembrokeshire, including Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and Pembrokeshire Cancer Support, to allay concerns about the future of Cancer services in Pembrokeshire.
University Health Board Chair Bernadine Rees confirmed that Ward 10 would continue to provide care for patients who needed palliative, haematology and oncology support. Fundraisers were also invited to form a focus group to ‘co-produce’ the design and creation of the new Chemotherapy Day Unit to make it the best in the west. All parties agreed that a beautiful building is nothing without specialist staff and that everything should be done to encourage new oncology and palliative consultants to settle in Pembrokeshire. A tour of the recently built Renal Unit is being organised to show fundraisers what a co-produced service can look like.
County Director and Commissioner Sue Lewis explained: “There is no doubt that the involvement of patients in the design of the renal unit ensured that the environment and the facilities are right for those people who use it on a regular basis. This is an excellent example of working together to bring a new project to completion.” Hywel Dda University Health Board has also reassured both patients and fundraisers that money raised for Cancer services in Pembrokeshire will be used for the new Chemotherapy Day Unit and the refurbishment of Ward 10.
Funds from the Bucketful of Hope charity, Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and other voluntary sector monies will be brought together to realise the vision Adam Evans-Thomas had for patients in Pembrokeshire. Adam launched Bucketful of Hope charity to thank hospitals that cared for him during his 10 year fight against leukaemia before he died in 2004. Mrs Lewis said: “As a University Health Board, we recognise the passion that local people have for improving this service and I would like to reassure them that there is no intention to remove cancer services from Pembrokeshire.
On the contrary, this investment into them will be something that will make these services the best in west Wales. I’d like to thank Pembrokeshire fundraisers once again. Your commitment has helped to make Adam’s dream become a reality.” Chris Evans-Thomas, Adam’s mother, said: “We have a very outspoken and caring group of patients using our venue. We have lost three patient Directors over the last 10 years patiently waiting for this wonderful project to be completed. We do not want to deal in empty promises any more.
Mr Hawkins at the last meeting stated that a board would be put up outside the hospital announcing the work – we are all really excited about this Christmas present! It’s time now for the board to stop talking and get moving!” Mr Lyn Neville, Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Coordinator said: “After years of trying to get this done it finally looks more positive. Mr Paul Hawkins and Mrs Sue Lewis have given me assurances and I have no reason, currently, not to take them at their word. I am very pleased that staff will get a greater input into the design and planning of the new Unit and Ward 10, something we have asked for over many years. Current facilities are not good enough and this will make a huge difference to Cancer sufferers in Pembrokeshire. I will be watching carefully but do feel positive that this could be it!”
Entertainment
Foreigner in My Body – Workshop and show

HOW we see ourselves isn’t always how others see us. Join movement artist Sara Hartel in a workshop that explores the tension between identity and perception here at the Torch Theatre this Wednesday followed by a work in progress show on Thursday with Foreigner in My Body.
The evening workshop will give you an opportunity to learn how to creatively use audio description in a safe, nurturing environment which gives you space to explore the role gender plays in how we move, and how others see the way we move, through the creation of a piece of movement.
The show itself, Foreigner in My Body, is a work in progress show exploring the transgender journey through the lens of crossing borders. It blends circus, physical theatre and storytelling with malicious audio description. A story of rebellion and trans joy. Think of the burlesque of airport security, the luggage carousel of emotional baggage and a plane crash on aerial silks.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 February at 7pm and the show on Thursday 13 February at 7pm. Both the workshop and show are suitable for those 14+. Anyone who attends the workshop can go the performance for FREE too!
Tickets for Foreigner in My Body are priced at £5.00. Visit the website for further details on www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Crime
Woman ‘high on drugs’ crashes into parked cars in Milford Haven

DYFED-POWYS Police were called to Priory Road, Milford Haven, at around 10:15am on Friday (Feb 14) following reports of a collision involving three vehicles.
A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
She has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Two vehicles parked on the side of the road, both belonging to nearby residents, were damaged in the crash.
A witness at the scene said: “I saw the woman. She was absolutely off her face, and lost control of her car. Its really lucky that no one was hurt.”
Community
Feed the Community Event Attended by Local MS

SENEDD Member Paul Davies has recently visited the Feed the Community initiative at the Haverhub in Haverfordwest. Feed the Community is supported by Haverfordwest Town Council and organised by Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner. The project, which supported by several local organisations, invites residents to the Hub where free hot meals are provided and there are free activities to get involved in.
Mr Davies said, “Feed the Community is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the local community working together to create these inclusive and welcoming events.”
He added, “It’s a great way for local businesses and charities to engage with residents and build bridges in the community. The event was so well attended, and I was delighted to talk to residents, business representatives and volunteers. The atmosphere at the Hub was very positive and I was delighted to see it all for myself.”

-
Business3 days ago
Digital marketing challenges for rural Welsh businesses
-
News4 days ago
Police report filed over Neyland Town Council email controversy
-
Health4 days ago
Emergency care failing in Wales, warns damming report
-
Politics3 days ago
Pembrokeshire council tax rise of 9.85 per cent backed
-
Crime4 days ago
Woman caught with knife in Pembroke Dock blames drugs
-
News4 days ago
Secrecy over Milford Haven Library rent as council faces funding ultimatum
-
News4 days ago
Concerns mount over rising violence in Welsh schools
-
Health4 days ago
Kilgetty dispensary to close temporarily due to staff sickness