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!”
Business
People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement
FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).
In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.
The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.
Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.
The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.
News
Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke
A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.
The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.
The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.
Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.
Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.
By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.
The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.
Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.
News
Tragic loss of pony spurs campaign for safer roads in west Wales
A WEST WALES woman has embarked on a mission to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. Laura Grant, 58, faced an unthinkable ordeal last spring when her Welsh Mountain Section A pony, Katie, was fatally injured on a Carmarthenshire road, leading to a wider call for road safety reforms.
The incident unfolded as Grant, accompanied by a 15-year-old family friend, was enjoying a serene carriage drive with Katie and Billy, a Welsh cob. The tranquillity of their outing was shattered when an impatient van driver’s actions spooked Katie, causing her to bolt into a cattle grid despite her 700 miles of road experience. The tragedy of the situation is compounded by the fact that Katie, a rescue pony lovingly nurtured by Grant for four years, could not be saved.
Grant, devastated by the loss, reflected on the moment, wishing the outcome could have been different. “How I wish I managed to stop her or pulled her into the wall, but it happened so quickly,” she lamented. The incident has not only left a void in her heart but has also paused her passion for carriage driving.
In the wake of this loss, Grant is channeling her grief into advocacy, organising a “Pass Wide and Slow” ride in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, to honour Katie’s memory and promote awareness about safe driving near horses. The event, scheduled for September 14, underscores the urgent need for change.
Furthering her campaign, Grant has initiated a petition for “Katie’s Law” on change.org. This proposed legislation calls for the Highway Code’s advice — to pass horses at no more than 10 mph and maintain a two-metre distance — to be legally binding. The necessity of such measures is underscored by British Horse Society data, revealing 100 traffic-related equine incidents in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion in 2023 alone.
Grant’s advocacy extends to urging the Carmarthenshire County Council for greater consideration of equestrian needs, advocating for the restoration and shared use of old riding routes now converted into cycle paths. “Give us back all our old riding routes… We need equestrian access plans for Carmarthenshire, Wales, or better still, the whole UK,” she implores, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
Katie’s legacy, marked by a gold rosette from the British Driving Society for her carriage-driving achievements, continues to inspire a movement towards safer, more inclusive roads.
As the community mourns a “pocket rocket” who brought joy to many, the call for action echoes loud, driven by a hope that Katie’s loss will pave the way for meaningful change.
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