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‘Pembrokeshire voices need to be heard’

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Stephen Crabb MP: Met in Westminster with a senior member of the Review Team from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

FOLLOWING a meeting in Westminster with a senior member of the Review Team from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), local MP, Stephen Crabb, has called on residents to share their experiences of maternity and paediatrics services following the widely opposed changes brought in last year.

Mr Crabb requested a meeting with Sue Eardley, Head of Invited Reviews, at the RCPCH, who have been tasked by the Hywel Dda University Health Board to undertake an independent evaluation of the changes in women’s and children’s healthcare services in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The changes saw the removal of consultant led maternity services and the Special Care Baby Unit from Withybush Hospital.

Welsh Government Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, requested the formal evaluation at the same time as he approved the changes to the services in Pembrokeshire. The review will look at ‘the impact of the revised neonatalserviceonnewbornoutcomes and patient experience’ and will be completed by September. The Health Board has also widen the review area so that it will also focus on Paediatrics following the closure of the overnight service in October 2014.

Mr Crabb was opposed to the changes being introduced and joined the local campaign to keep full maternity services, SCBU and 24 hour paediatrics in Pembrokeshire.

Following the meeting, held on Monday July 20, Stephen Crabb MP, said: “Health and the future of Withybush Hospital is the biggest issue on the doorsteps. The changes to women’s and children’s services sparked widespread concern locally and I am pleased that a review is being carried out which will assess the current service against national professional standards for quality and safety.

“I was keen to meet with Sue from the RCPCH to find out more about the review process and to talk through the issues that have been raised with me by residents who want their experiences heard during this evaluation. During the meeting I was able to discuss a number of specific issues about the ambulance availability, the experiences of paramedics, and the cramped and overstretched facilities at Glangwili which have caused some concern. I also stressed that in order for the review to be meaningful, it must take into full consideration the views of staff and the people who use the services.

I want to encourage those residents who want their voices to be heard on this very important issue to come forward and share their experiences as part of this review. There is a public meeting being planned at Withybush and people can take part in the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/RCPCH-HywelDda.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. sjb

    August 20, 2015 at 10:54 pm

    he really comes across as a “politician” and all that entails doesn’t he?

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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