News
LHB collaboration helps improve access to health
HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has been collaborating with Pembrokeshire County Council, Royal Voluntary Service and Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations in order to improve access to Health Services.
A dedicated Council vehicle and driver is now being provided to the Health Board for undertaking patient journeys to and from Withybush Hospital. Over 200 patients were conveyed during December alone, with over 1,500 in total since April 2014.
Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and Royal Voluntary Service have collaborated to run a six month pilot to enable journeys to hospital appointments to be accommodated by Pembrokeshire Country Cars. This will ease the over-demand on the Ambulance Car Service and make it easier for existing service users as they will only need to phone one number for transport.
The Council has worked collaboratively with Hywel Dda Health Board regarding the new bus stop and shelter inside the grounds of Withybush Hospital. As from last November the Haverfordwest Town Service has been serving the new bus stop.
Last summer the PIVOT Project was established to prevent inappropriate hospital admissions and reduce support required from statutory agencies. This is a collaboration between Royal Voluntary Service, British Red Cross, Pembrokeshire Age Cymru, Pembrokeshire Care & Repair and Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations.
Community transport vehicles are used to transport people at risk of hospital admission because they have no means of getting home. During the first six months over 160 people utilised this service.
Peter Llewellyn from the University Health Board stated: “It is essential that we work collaboratively to improve patient access to health services in Pembrokeshire. We are already seeing the benefit of this partnership approach to patients across the county by working with colleagues from the Local Authority and Voluntary Sector with further developments planned”.
The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation, Councillor Rob Lewis, added: “We are pleased to have been involved with this scheme and to work closely with the Health Board and the other organisations to improve public access to health services in the county.”
Hywel Dda University Health Board has also now established a Central Transport Unit. Council staff met with the new transport manager of Hywel Dda Health Board at the end of September to discuss further collaboration and to provide advice and guidance in relation to fleet and pool cars.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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