News

MP welcomes ‘fresh thinking’ on health

Published

10 years ago

February 11, 2015

LOCAL MP Stephen Crabb has welcomed the tone struck by the new Chief Executive of Hywel Dda Health Board, Steve Moore, following their first meeting in Haverfordwest on Friday, and the opportunity for some fresh thinking about the challenges facing the County’s health services.

Assembly Members Paul Davies and Angela Burns were also present.

In recent weeks Stephen has seen a surge in correspondence from constituents about delays and cancellations of surgery appointments at Withybush. He questioned the CEO about these recent problems, as well as the impact of changes to maternity and paediatrics at the hospital.

The CEO, who has only been in the role for three weeks, gave a commitment to a 24 hours a day A&E service, but Stephen stressed that this would only be meaningful if the Health Board could guarantee the appropriate level of staffing.

Speaking after the meeting, Stephen said:“It was a constructive meeting with the new Chief Executive of the Health Board. We went over the last ten years and the reasons why people in Pembrokeshire feel they have never been given clear, open and honest information about what is being done to their hospital. I have to say he struck a different tone and gave a strong commitment to wanting to work openly with the local community.”

“It was also the first time I have heard a Chief Executive talking about how the model for delivering rural health services has to be different from urban areas. His previous experience was in Cornwall so I am hoping that he can bring some new thinking on this. Over the last 10 years we have had a battle with Welsh Ministers in Cardiff getting them to see that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy does not work for Wales.”

“While it was a useful meeting, we need clear and effective action to back this up. I will continue to press Welsh Government in Cardiff and the Health Board to get a grip on the problems facing our health services and deliver a better approach for Pembrokeshire.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.