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.”

News

Police appeal after fatal collision on A48 near Cross Hands

Published

47 mins ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the A48 eastbound between Cross Hands and Cwmgwili.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:05pm on Friday (Nov 15).

A grey Isuzu D-Max was involved in the crash, which tragically resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Emergency services closed both the eastbound and westbound carriageways while attending the scene.

The westbound carriageway and one lane of the eastbound carriageway reopened at midnight, with the eastbound carriageway fully reopening at 12:30pm on Saturday (Nov 16).

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist their investigation to get in touch. You can contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:
🖥️ | Submit information online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call: 101

Please quote reference: 24*970191.

Education

Haverfordwest High VC School raise £12,775 for Children in Need

Published

1 hour ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week students at Haverfordwest High VC School have raised a record breaking £12,775 for Children in Need. The week has been led by an incredible group of Senior Prefects and their Year 12 and 13 Children in Need Army. The Sixth Form events have consisted of:

150 students taking a Big Dip at Broadhaven Beach.
Bushtucker Trial – where students went up against HHVCS staff to eat some gruelly delights.
Buffee and Barnes’ Wednesday Night Takeaway – a quiz night held at Haverfordwest RFC.
A carwash – where staff, pupils and brave members of the public had their cars washed.
Our Head Boy Harry shaved and dyed his hair. Closely followed by Year 12 Oscar and Kayden shaving their heads in front of the entire Sixth Form Block
Senior Prefects Katie and Ffion conducted a half marathon around Haverfordwest and were joined by Head Boy Harry and Deputy Head Boy Finn.
Year 12 Libby and Year 13 Molly held a sponsored silence – it was a lovely day!
Netball and football matches
A bake sale
Sweet shop led by Year 12 Leah, Queenie and Chloe.
Cyclathon – where students cycled all day outside the Sixth Form Block on spin bikes.
Leg waxing – Brave Year 12 and 13 boys had their legs waxed in front of the whole school.
Fun Run – which involved pupils from across the whole school.
Teddy and Pudsey ears sale.
The younger year groups also played a huge part in the fundraising efforts with Achievement Leaders planning a range of events including:
Year 7 danceathon – where students danced all day to some disco classics. Led by Senior Prefect Lucy and her sidekicks Brianna and Carys.
Year 8 Awesome Auction – hosted by Year 8
Year 9 Quiz
Year 10 and 11 football and bingo

The week was topped off with a whole school fancy dress. We couldn’t be more proud of what our pupils and staff have achieved. This amount of money will make a huge difference to children in need.

News

Three men charged with cannabis production after major bust in Llandysul

Published

1 hour ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men have been charged with producing cannabis following a police raid on the former school on Heol Llyn y Fran, Llandysul, on Friday (Nov 15).

During the operation, officers uncovered a substantial cannabis grow consisting of 737 plants, which were seized as evidence.

Armeld Troski, 29, Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, have been charged with producing a controlled class B drug. All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court today (Nov 18).

Officers remain at the scene as they continue to remove items and conduct further enquiries. Local police have assured the public that they will maintain a presence in the area while the building is secured.

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to making our force area hostile to those who produce and deal drugs. The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could make a big difference.”

Residents who are concerned about drug-related crime or suspect someone is being exploited are encouraged to report their concerns. Reports can be made online via the police website, by emailing, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Local officers have thanked the community for their ongoing support and cooperation.

(Cover image: BBC)