News

Withybush latest

Published

11 years ago

December 6, 2013

A CONSERVATIVE motion placed before the Welsh Senedd on Wednesday, November 27 about Withybush General Hospital’s future was defeated on the casting vote of the Presiding Officer.

The motion proposed that the National Assembly for Wales express its concern over:

1) The future of consultant-led maternity services at Withybush;

2) The impact the absence of consultant led maternity services would have on other core services at the hospital such as emergency and paediatric care.

The motion called on the Welsh Government to:

(a) Take urgent action to secure the future of core services at Withybush; and

(b) Ensure that Hywel Dda Health Board communicates effectively and unambiguously their plans for the strategic direction of services at Withybush Hospital.

The motion was proposed by South Wales East’s AM William Graham.

Assembly divides on party lines

The hopes of Labour members to secure marginal Westminster seats were sent plummeting after the Labour group in the Assembly voted en masse against the motion.

Among those AM’s who failed to back the move was local Assembly Member, Joyce Watson. Reaction to Joyce Watson’s vote was swift and furious on social media sites. On the Facebook group Save Essential Services at Withybush, one contributor wrote:

“I think she’s had her chips after people hear her views. As a resident of Haverfordwest she should be ashamed of herself for not supporting local services fully not least jobs and the potential detriment to her constituents’ health!!… Her part in this as an AM should have been to hold Hywel Dda and Trevor Purt to account.”

One person quoted a letter she received from, Stephen Crabb, in which the Preseli Pembrokeshire MP wrote:

“I have heard literally hundreds of testimonies from mums, dads and individuals across Pembrokeshire about how Withybush Hospital has helped to save the lives of their own children and other relatives. My own daughter was born at Withybush so for me, too, this is a very personal issue.

“I do not want to see any services removed from our local hospital and I have actively campaigned against the planned changes. I have spoken out at public meetings, demonstrated outside the hospital, run petitions to save the Special Care Baby Unit and held meetings with the Chief Executive and the Chairman of the Hywel Dda Health Board.

“… The Welsh Government decided to cut NHS funding in Wales by hundreds of millions of pounds – at the same time that they found £52 million to purchase Cardiff Airport. Meanwhile, people in Pembrokeshire and across Wales are faced with reductions in services.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!