News

Shortage of GPs set to get worse

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

THE NUMBER of GP vacancies in Pembrokeshire is a genuine threat to frontline services, the Pembrokeshire Herald has been told.

This newspaper recently reported that Dr Chris Van Kempen of the Goodwick practice was to retire this year and that the practice would subsequently be run as a managed practice by the Local Health Board.

Since that report, The Herald has learned that Dr Kevin Hill of the Barlow House practice in Milford Haven is to leave, while the situation at Tenby GP practice continues to cause grave concern, as a staff member is currently on sick leave.

In a statement dated February 16, Dr Phil Kloer, Executive Director of Primary, Community and Mental Health Services for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Tenby GP Surgery is currently experiencing high levels of staff sickness. On behalf of the practice I’d like to reassure patients that the surgery is open and patients with appointments for week beginning Monday 16 February will still be seen as planned. Out of hours services are also unaffected.

“We recognise the importance of being able to access local general medical care and we are working closely with the practice at this time to minimise the impact on patient care. We will keep patients informed and provide an update at the earliest opportunity.”

In 2011’s consultation on the future of health services in Pembrokeshire, the Board justified the closure of Minor Injury Units at Tenby Cottage Hospital and South Pembs by claiming GP practices would fulfil those units’ roles. Not only has that has not happened, but the announcement was made without consulting with any of the GP practices in the areas affected by the units’ closure. The Herald understands that Pembrokeshire is chronically short of GP’s and that there are as many as ten unfilled vacancies for GP’s within Pembrokeshire.

The migration of services from Haverfordwest to Glangwili has placed significant extra strain on the out of hours GP service, with the service no longer offered at South Pembs Hospital at the weekends. The current Out of Hours service was revealed to be in difficulty in a document prepared by Withybush Hospital Director of Clinical Care Dr Iain Robertson-Steel and leaked to the media. Notwithstanding those difficulties, the Board claimed that GP’s were able to fill in the gaps at Withybush A&E under what was described at the time as ‘a new way of working’.

The Herald understands that there has been no substantial progress in discussions between the Board and GP’s.

One GP told our reporter that not only were the claims made by the Board “undeliverable” but that the Board should have concentrated on shoring up the creaking Out of Hours service and resolving GP recruitment issues before making such an announcement in the first place.

The situation in Pembrokeshire is not unique. The take up of GP training places has fallen to 62% in parts of England. A coalition pledge to train and extra 3,250 GP’s by this year has already been shunted back to 2016 and there is little sign of even that rigged target being hit.

Director of Primary Care, Community and Mental Health Dr Philip Kloer told The Herald: “The University Health Board is working extremely hard with a number of surgeries in Pembrokeshire to address what are UK-wide challenges in GP recruitment. At present, we are actively recruiting for a salaried GP to support Goodwick Practice and a GP for the out-of-hours service at Withybush Hospital. This is part of a significant Health Board-wide recruitment drive, which is having some success in attracting applicants to our organisation. We are also working closely with Tenby Surgery to support them in finding some locum GP cover, whilst they are experiencing some staff shortages. In addition, we are working with partners, such as the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, to provide other skilled healthcare professional posts for unscheduled (unplanned) care at Tenby Surgery. Our longer term plans include working with primary care GPs and emergency departments to develop new integrated models of care, and potentially introducing more care through salaried GPs and advanced practitioners (i.e. employed directly by the University Health Board) to sustain services and provide opportunities to network and target support where it is needed most.”

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)