News

A letter from the frontline

Published

10 years ago

January 29, 2015

LOCAL GP, Dr Daniel Weaver gave The Herald his view of what seems to be the annual crisis in A&E. The problem, he says, is not limited to Pembrokeshire: “The pressures on A&E, GP and the hospital are complex. We have a time of year, in the winter, when there are lots of severe infections both in the form of viral and bacterial infections. This means there are a lot more ill people out there at this time of year. “Added to this we have an ageing population with large numbers of frail elderly with multiple chronic illnesses, often on many medications.

“When these patients get unwell they can get very unwell quickly to the point of requiring hospital attention despite significant GP and district nursing input. “There are more resistant infections around year by year so some people end up needing intravenous antibiotics in hospital or become more seriously unwell despite strong antibiotics in community for instance.

“Apart from the fact that there are more infections around, there are still also all the usual A&E type problems occurring: for example, heart attacks; injuries; alcohol and drug intoxication. The same goes for General Practice. We have all the usual problems we normally see but with increased seasonal demand due to more mental health issues and infections in the winter months.

“A GP will often see up to 50 patients a day in surgery when it is busy in addition to home visits, analysing results, writing and dealing with letters to and from the hospital, arranging investigations, making phone-calls and signing hundreds of repeat prescriptions each week. Staffing is increasingly problematic in the NHS nationwide both for hospital departments and in General Practice, this is particularly problematic with A&E doctors as there is a worldwide shortage in this speciality.

“Wales (particularly rural Wales) especially struggles to attract doctors due to many issues, including lower pay then other parts of the UK; issues with airport/transport links; many doctors not wanting to work in rural areas; as well as, in more recent years, more barriers being erected preventing non- EU doctors from working in the UK.

I think there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to find solutions and hopefully these will be successful. “I know people can get frustrated by delays within the NHS especially at this time of year, I share the frustrations but I also know how hard everyone is working throughout Withybush and in the community despite the ongoing pressures, and I am proud work alongside them and the public in my home county.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.