News
Improving how Welsh NHS handle complaints
ACTION is being taken to improve the way the NHS in Wales deals with complaints, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Monday (Nov 24). Considerable progress has been made in response to an independent review by Keith Evans about how the health service handles complaints, which was published in July. Action underway includes: Improving the way the complaints system – Putting Things Right – is promoted to make it easier and more accessible for patients and families.
Encouraging early contact with patients to resolve any issues when they happen. Developing a national approach to publishing data on complaints to ensure all NHS organisations publish information in a consistent way, which is easy for the public to understand and allows for meaningful comparisons across Wales.
New projects are underway so that patients and their families can clearly understand how to comment on any aspect of a service they may have received, whether good or bad. These include the pilot of iWantGreatCare at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital, in Bridgend to capture real-time patient and visitor feedback.
The Health and Social Services Minister is investigating the potential for establishing a national expert team to deal with serious concerns and shared learning. These proposals will be developed over the coming months. The Welsh Government commissioned Mr Evans, the former chief executive and managing director of Panasonic UK and Ireland, to lead the review, which made more than 100 recommendations to strengthen the NHS complaints process.
Professor Drakeford said: “The Welsh NHS treats millions of patients a year, providing high-quality care in often difficult circumstances. However, when patients and families feel they don’t get the care they expect, the system does not always work for them. Despite this, complaints received by the NHS represent less than 0.1% of all activity. When patients and families do make a complaint, they need have confidence in the system and know their concerns are being listened to and acted on. Since Keith Evans’ review was published, the Welsh Government and health boards have taken action to implement many of his recommendations. This includes looking at how we use data at a national level, simplifying the complaints process and making sure the resources to respond to concerns are in place. The Welsh Government and the NHS will continue to do all we can to make the complaints process work for patients and ultimately improve the care the health service in Wales provides.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
-
Crime2 days agoSex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health2 days agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News4 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Health5 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime2 days agoTeacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
Education7 days agoIndustry insight helps marine cadets chart career course
-
News5 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder
-
Crime4 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law







