News

Volunteer coffee shop could go from Withybush

Published

9 years ago

August 7, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Coming soon to a hospital near you?

THE ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE, formerly the WRVS, has responded to the announcement that the Local Health Board is to oust its existing coffee shop from Withybush General Hospital.

Earlier this week, the Local Health Board revealed that it is seeking expressions of interest from companies to replace cafés and shops in its hospitals.

A spokesperson for the Health Board said: “Hywel Dda UHB is looking for potential tenants to operate high quality cafe environments and retail outlets in Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush Hospitals.”

Interested parties are being asked to outline their plans for the refurbishment of areas of the hospitals at zero cost to Hywel Dda UHB in order to generate income for the organisation through rent and turnover rent. This can then be used to improve the hospital environment for patients and visitors.

At present, the identified spaces are used for cafés and shops provided by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), other private providers and in-house staff providing:

Glangwili Hospital – separate café and shop (both provided by RVS)
Bronglais Hospital – shop (provided in-house by Hywel Dda employees)
Prince Philip Hospital – combined cafe and shop (private provider)
Withybush Hospital – separate cafe (RVS) and shop (WH Smith)

Peter Skitt, Director of Operations for Hywel Dda UHB said: “More and more hospitals across the UK are looking at opportunities to support the patient and visitor experience, whilst also generating income that can be reinvested into improving hospital environments.

“We are still very early on in this process and are being very clear that contracts will only be awarded if the offer given is deemed to deliver the quality and financial returns we expect against what is currently provided at each site. This will be based on potential income for Hywel Dda UHB, as well as quality and scope of services being offered.”

Hywel Dda UHB staff will meet with the private provider at Prince Philip Hospital in advance of the notice and with in-house staff providing services at Bronglais Hospital. There will be no redundancies of Hywel Dda staff as a result of this process. Hywel Dda UHB will provide the required three month notice to the WH Smith shop at Withybush Hospital and a meeting will be held in early October with WH Smith in advance of this notice being served.

Hywel Dda UHB paid tribute to the services already provided, particularly the many years’ service and support provided to patients, staff and visitors by the RVS in Glangwili and Withybush hospitals.

Mr Skitt explained: “We are very mindful that for many years Glangwili and Withybush hospitals have been provided with highly regarded, first class services by the RVS. This decision to explore alternative providers is in no way a reflection on the service RVS or their employees and volunteers have provided us. Members of our estates teamhavemetwithRVSrepresentatives and RVS employees and volunteers have been informed.”

Peter Llewellyn, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, added: “Regardless of the outcome of this process, RVS will continue to be a valued partner providing vital services to patients. I have already begun discussions regarding potentially extending current RVS community based transport services across the region. This will greatly enhance patient access to hospitals and other health care settings, particularly for those from rural areas.”

Hywel Dda UHB is also being clear to interested companies and other potential providers that Hywel Dda UHB is committed to the Welsh Government’s vision to supporting healthy eating and this will need to be reflected.

The announcement makes it clear that the Health Board is seeking to follow the path taken by hospitals in the rest of Wales and parts of England, where primary health care providers have effectively been compelled to look to private companies to bolster already squeezed budgets.

Lesley Thompson, Royal Voluntary Service, Head of Support and Development for West of England and Wales, told The Herald: “We are aware that the Board is inviting tenders and we are currently in discussion with them regarding how we continue to work with one another going forward. Our volunteers and staff have worked tremendously hard at the hospitals for many years and we know that their efforts have been hugely appreciated. Whatever the outcome of discussions, we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they have done to make the services at the hospitals a success.”

A local RVS volunteer told us that there was a sense of regret at the end of an era: “There is a lot of disappointment amongst the staff and we feel like we have been let down by the hospital. People are very upset. We have been at Withybush and before then at the old County Hospital for years. It all seems to be about money, these days.”

News

Joyce Watson MS announces decision not to seek reselection

Published

11 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.

News

Storm Herminia lashes the county of Pembrokeshire

Published

11 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STORM HERMINIA has swept across Pembrokeshire unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall, prompting weather warnings across the region.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting all three counties over the next three days, extending until Tuesday. The warnings come shortly after Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread disruption with power outages, property damage, fallen trees, and road closures.

Storm Herminia named by Spain

Unlike its predecessor, Storm Herminia was not named by the UK Met Office but by the Spanish meteorological service, underscoring its broader European impact.

The storm hit early this morning, with gusts reaching between 50 and 60 mph, peaking at 70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These winds are forecast to persist until 5:00pm today. The Met Office has upgraded the impact level from low to medium, although the likelihood of severe consequences remains low.

Heavy rainfall to intensify risks

Alongside the strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation. Torrential downpours are forecast from midday Sunday through to 11:59pm on Monday. Additional bursts of intense rain may occur overnight, with totals of 20–40 mm likely across most areas and up to 70 mm over higher ground. Localized flooding of homes and properties is anticipated.

There is also a small risk that some areas could see even higher accumulations of rainfall, depending on the extent of overnight downpours.

Prolonged disruption expected

Another bout of strong winds is predicted from 6:00am Monday through to 6:00am Tuesday, with gusts of up to 70 mph near coastal regions and 50 mph inland. The Met Office warns of potential disruption to transport networks, power supplies, and other essential services.

Residents are advised to secure loose items, monitor local updates, and take precautions as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

11 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)