News

‘Fog of confusion’ about Withybush Plans

Published

13 years ago

November 27, 2013

UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES to dog the future of maternity, paediatric and specialist baby care at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:

“In recent weeks the fog of confusion around the future of vital services at Withybush has got worse, with neither the Hywel Dda Health Board nor the Welsh Health Minister being willing or able to come clean on their true intentions. The Pembrokeshire rumour mill is in overdrive about changes at Withybush and the local community is rightly concerned and angry. This is the biggest issue facing our County and it is time for Welsh Government in Cardiff to hold the Health Board to account and provide certainty and assurance.”

As The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed last week, staff have already been consulted about a planned shift of services from Withybush to West Wales General Hospital, Glangwili. BBC news picked up the story this week and confirmed with Hywel Dda Local Health Board that talks were taking place with hospital staff.

Campaign groups set up

SEVERAL campaigning groups have been set up on Facebook to fight the closures and a public meeting is to be held at The Picton Centre in Haverfordwest this evening (Thursday, November 21) with a view to setting up a fighting fund to resist any closures or relocation of maternity and paediatric services.

The number of people who have joined the on-line campaign groups at the time this article goes to press is just under 20,000.

In January 2013, Pembrokeshire’s Best Magazine revealed that out of 1,567 responses to the ORS consultation on the Health Board’s plans for Withybush, only 9% of respondents in Pembrokeshire (150 people) favoured the Board’s proposal to close SCBU and transfer all care for high dependence neonates, complex ante-natal and perinatal care out of the County to Glangwili. In spite of the level of opposition shown to their plans, the Local Health Board’s decision announced on January 15 was to proceed with its plans, but to retain some paediatric and obstetric services at Withybush “subject to recruiting staff”.

Speaking to The Herald last week with reference to the potential loss of services due to loss of birth numbers at Withybush, the a spokeswoman from the Hywel Dda Health Board said:

“We are at significant risk of losing training posts if we cannot find solutions. Services may become too fragile unless we plan for the future.

“The neonatal element was referred to Welsh Government and the Health Board was requested to provide further details on our models for gynaecology and obstetrics which is being addressed by this ongoing planning work.”

Further criticism of LHB

THE HEALTH BOARD has been separately criticised by Ceredigion AM for delays in recruitment:

“I have been made increasingly aware of recruitment delays across the Hywel Dda region. In some cases such as recently at Ysbyty Bronglais I’m told of instances where six months after the employment process began, nurses have still not been able to take up new posts.

“Delays in appointing key staff members undermine the vital services offered by the Health Board, increase waiting times, erode public confidence and make it even harder to recruit staff in the future.

“The Welsh Government must work closely with the Local Health Boards across Wales to ensure the process is expedited and that residents get the health service they need and deserve.”

AM’s request for scrutiny denied

A REQUEST from local Assembly Member Paul Davies to publicly scrutinise the future of services at Withybush hospital has been denied.

This follows the latest news that overnight paediatric services at the Withybush hospital could be closed. Mr Davies tabled an urgent question to the Welsh Health Minister given the substantial knock-on effect that this closure would have on the hospital’s obstetrics department, A & E department and the Special Care Baby Unit.

Mr Davies said, “This latest news has further escalated concerns in Pembrokeshire that Withybush hospital is signalled for downgrading. Sadly, my request to scrutinise the Health Minister on this has been turned down. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly called for statements from the Welsh Government in relation to Hywel Dda Health Board’s plans, all of which have been denied.”

He added, “This news will once again renew fears over the hospital’s future, and it’s time that the Welsh Government provided certainty and reassurances for west Wales patients. Anything less is unacceptable. Residents will rightly be worried about the potential closure of overnight paediatric services and the effect that it will have on the sustainability of other core services at Withybush. I will of course, keep raising these issues in the Assembly Chamber in the hope that Welsh Labour Ministers will come clean on the future of Withybush hospital as soon as possible.”

Concern from Haverfordwest Town Council

AT THE Haverfordwest Town Council meeting last night councillors discussed the situation regarding Withybush Hospital.

Town Clerk David Williams said “There are serious concerns about what is happening at Withybush Hospital. We don’t know what the proposals are at the moment and the future of the hospital is in the balance.

“Our intentions are to write to the trust and health minister to clarify what the situation is”.

SWAT has suggested that the situation is the thin end of the wedge in relation to other services. A SWAT leaflet sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald claims, amongst other things:Emergency cover for ALL specialities may reduce to 16 hours each day. Date of implementation unknown at present but maybe January 1, 2014. This would mean patients already in hospital would be safe as on call doctors would be on site but with no A&E facility from perhaps midnight people who became ill overnight or have an accident in the community would be taken directly to Glangwili.

SCBU, Paediatrics and Obstetrics will move to Glangwili in March 2014. This means that there will be NO beds to admit children, babies or pregnant women at Withybush except for very low risk mothers to be.

Anyone needing admission will have to be taken to Glangwili.

A&E will be reduced to 12 hours during the day from April 1, 2014. This means that Withybush will not be able to take any emergency patients overnight and they will all have to be taken to Glangwili for assessment and admission if appropriate.

The leaflet calls on people to demonstrate in support of maintaining services at Withybush outside the hospital every Saturday morning at 11:00 am from January 4, 2014. It also asks for support for a potential legal action to prevent the Health Board’s plans from proceeding.

Joyce Watson AM told us: “I totally support the plan for a Level 2 neo-natal unit in the Hywel Dda area, as we do not currently have one. Withybush maternity unit is the crucial missing piece of the puzzle, however. Until Hywel Dda submits its proposal to the Welsh Government we cannot assess the overall plan.

“What is clear is that Withybush must retain a service that can stabilise mother and baby when complications occur. That is absolutely critical – a red line – and I have consistently urged that point in my discussions with both the Health Board and the Government.”

The Local Health Board responds

In response to the BBC News story, the Health Board released a statement saying:

“The health board can confirm that no instruction has been given to book expectant mothers due in March or April into Glangwili Hospital instead of Withybush Hospital. If any mother has any queries about their booking they are advised to speak to their midwife directly.

“The health board was instructed by the Health Minister in September to clarify the delivery model for obstetric and paediatric services that would be provided to support a Level 2 neonatal unit before a final Ministerial decision is made in relation to new born services.

“The health board is committed to openly discussing the current situation with staff and so meetings are taking place at a hospital, county and health board-wide level.

“The ongoing work with our clinical teams is based on clarifying the service model, taking into account the many service inter-dependencies.

“Proposed models will be submitted to Welsh Government in the next few weeks…the health board’s position [is] that members of staff have not been informed of any final decisions as none have been made.”
Chris Overton of SWAT told The Herald

“Last Tuesday morning the midwifery manager told midwives on the wards that from March there would be a midwifery led service at Withybush. At the same time, the Paediatric Manager told staff that SCBU, paediatric services and Ward 9 admissions would all go to Carmarthen, as that was where paediatric trainee doctors would be based.”

The Pembrokeshire Herald asked for a response from the Welsh Government, shortly before we went to press a spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Drakeford told The Herald:

“This is a matter for the Local Health Board and we have no comment to make on it, at this time.Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales said:

“I am obviously concerned by the recent reports, and am seeking clarity from the Health Board because continued speculation and rumour is unhelpful for both patients and our NHS staff.

“The Health Board is due to submit its detailed proposed models to Welsh Government in the next few weeks, and I would expect that those plans should be clinically robust and developed in close collaboration with clinicians and expert obstetricians. I look forward to scrutinising the plans.

“Patient safety – both for the expectant mother and the baby – has to be the overriding concern.”

Mrs Evans is currently seeking reassurances from the Health Board on a number of matters, including that that there is no truth in the reports that all expectant mothers due to give birth after 1 April are being booked into Glangwili Hospital.

Farming

Farmers urged to protect themselves as heatwave brings health risks

Published

13 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NFU Cymru reminds agricultural workers to take precautions as temperatures soar

NFU CYMRU is urging farmers and agricultural workers across Wales to take extra care during the current spell of hot weather, warning that prolonged exposure to heat and the sun can pose serious risks to health.

While livestock welfare remains a major concern during heatwaves, the union says those working outdoors should not overlook the dangers to themselves. Farmers, contractors and farm workers often spend long hours exposed to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and skin cancer.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recognised as an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. Occupational exposure to UV rays is linked to around one death and five new cases of skin cancer every week in Britain.

NFU Cymru is encouraging employers to ensure staff have access to sunscreen, drinking water and shaded rest areas, while workers are being advised to protect themselves by covering exposed skin and avoiding the hottest part of the day wherever possible.

The union recommends using sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 and reapplying it regularly throughout the day. Wearing lightweight long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats or neck-flap hats, and taking breaks in the shade can significantly reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.

Hydration is equally important, with workers advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks should be avoided, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Farmers are also being reminded to monitor their skin for unusual moles or changes in existing marks, particularly those with fair skin, freckles, light-coloured eyes or a large number of moles, who are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

As temperatures continue to rise, NFU Cymru warns that heat exhaustion can develop quickly. Early symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, rapid breathing, intense thirst and a body temperature above 38C. Without prompt action, heat exhaustion can develop into life-threatening heat stroke.

To reduce the risk, outdoor work should be planned for cooler parts of the morning or evening where possible, with frequent breaks taken in shaded or well-ventilated areas. Workers should also slow their pace during periods of extreme heat, wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothing and eat foods with a high water content, such as fruit and salads.

The union is also encouraging employers to review working practices during periods of hot weather by introducing additional shaded work areas, increasing the availability of drinking water, allowing workers to remove unnecessary protective clothing during rest breaks where safe to do so, and ensuring staff recognise the warning signs of heat-related illness.

With high temperatures forecast to continue across Wales, NFU Cymru says taking simple precautions now can help prevent serious illness and ensure farms continue to operate safely throughout the summer.

Farming

NFU Cymru warns livestock farmers as extreme heat puts animals at risk

Published

17 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS across Wales are being urged to take urgent steps to protect livestock as extreme heat warnings raise serious concerns over animal welfare.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has issued hot weather guidance, warning that heat stress can pose a severe risk to animals and affect productivity during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

NFU Cymru is reminding livestock keepers to check water supplies daily, with animals able to double their water intake during extreme heat. Farmers are also being advised to use extra troughs where needed to reduce competition.

The union says housed animals should have good airflow, with fans used where appropriate and buildings kept well ventilated. Outdoor livestock should have access to natural or artificial shade.

Farmers are also being urged to avoid moving or handling animals unless absolutely necessary. Where transport cannot be avoided, it should take place during the coolest part of the day, with loading density reduced by at least 30 per cent and vehicle airflow maximised.

NFU Cymru has also warned farmers to remain vigilant for blowfly strike in sheep and metabolic diseases such as CCN in cattle.

Rob Lewis, NFU Cymru Livestock Chair, said: “With unprecedented day and night temperatures expected over most of Wales in the next few days, I urge all livestock keepers to follow the APHA guidelines mentioned above to protect the welfare and the well-being of their stock.

“In particular, avoid livestock moves during the hottest parts of the day.”

News

Coastguard callout payments axe sparks fears for coastal communities

Published

34 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VOLUNTEER coastguards across the UK are set to lose callout payments, prompting concern over the future resilience of emergency cover in coastal areas such as Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is ending payments of about £11 an hour for Coastguard Rescue Officers attending emergency incidents, following a Court of Appeal ruling that paid callouts meant volunteers could be classed as “workers”.

The decision affects around 3,000 volunteer coastguards who form the backbone of the Coastguard Rescue Service, responding to cliff rescues, mud rescues, missing person searches, water incidents and other emergencies around the UK coastline.

In Pembrokeshire, where communities from St Dogmaels to Tenby, Angle, Dale, Milford Haven, Fishguard and St Davids depend heavily on rapid coastal response, the move is likely to cause serious concern.

***Multi agency response to injured member of fishing vessel (Pic: HM Coastguard)***

Coastguard Rescue Officers are volunteers, but until now have been able to claim modest payments when called away from work, family life or rest periods to attend incidents.

The MCA says the change is needed to protect the volunteer model, while unions and campaigners argue that removing payments could damage recruitment, retention and availability.

GMB Union has described the move as “reprehensible”, saying coastguard officers are often called out in dangerous conditions and at unsociable hours to protect the public.

A parliamentary petition has also called for legislation allowing emergency volunteers to be remunerated without losing volunteer status.

The issue is due to be debated at Westminster on Tuesday (Jun 30), with coastal MPs expected to raise concerns about the possible impact on public safety.

For Pembrokeshire, the debate is particularly relevant. The county has one of the most heavily used coastlines in Wales, with busy beaches, dangerous cliffs, strong tides, mud flats, harbours, marinas and large numbers of visitors during the summer months.

HM Coastguard says the service will continue to provide a robust search and rescue response and that volunteers will still be able to claim expenses.

But critics say the removal of callout payments risks making it harder for ordinary working people to remain in the service, particularly those who lose income when leaving their jobs to attend emergencies.

***Local coastguard crews often work alongside the RNLI, who are also volunteers***

The Herald understands that concern is growing nationally that the decision could narrow the pool of volunteers able to serve, making the service less representative of the communities it protects.

A spokesperson for the MCA said the agency “deeply values” coastguard volunteers and recognises the significant service they provide.

They added that HM Coastguard would support volunteers during the transition and continue to maintain an effective search and rescue response around the UK coastline.

However, campaigners say the question remains simple: if coastal communities rely on these volunteers to save lives, should they be expected to do so entirely unpaid?

With the summer season now underway, the decision is likely to be watched closely in coastal counties such as Pembrokeshire, where the coastguard is not a distant national service, but a vital part of daily life.