News

Ambulance waiting time scandal hits home in Hakin

Published

9 years ago

December 23, 2015

AMID continuing controversy about the Welsh Ambulance Service’s inability to reach even revised targets for reaching those in need, a Pembrokeshire man has taken to social media to air his fury and concern about an incident which saw an elderly man waiting in driving rain for an ambulance to arrive.

Rob Parker told The Herald: “My partner, Kim (Joyce), returned home from work at 5.45 in the evening of December 3 and found an elderly gentleman lying in the street in the rain with a lot of blood coming from his face and head. “I called an ambulance at 5.46.

He was soaked through, so I ran in our house to get towels, blankets, pillows and waterproof items like my coats and the pram cover. “We covered him up and tried to keep him as warm as possible while the ambulance was en-route.” As they waited for the ambulance, Rob told us that the rain began to fall heavier and that he used a child’s parasol umbrella to try and keep him dry.

Worried about the lengthy wait, Rob phone the ambulance service again at 6:08pm: “I called 999 again to ask about the ambulance, as we were growing increasingly concerned about the condition of the man with the cold and rain and his blood loss. “I was told that an ambulance would be on its way, the ambulance did not arrive until 6.30pm, 44 minutes after the first call.

“By the time the ambulance arrived the poor old man, Kym and I are all absolutely freezing and soaked. No disrespect to paramedics (who have a tough job), but waiting three quarters of an hour for emergency services is absolutely unbelievable; it’s inhuman, its neglect – even with the weather out of the equation. I really hope that the man doesn’t have any further problems due to the conditions he was left in, even with our help.”

Rob concluded: “To wait 44 minutes for an ambulance is unacceptable, it’s complete neglect.” Reflecting on his experiences, Rob told The Herald: “I feel our county is becoming a place where I no longer want to bring up young children due to the problems with the healthcare system. It’s all a shambles.” We asked the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to respond to Rob’s account of the incident.

Rob Jeffery, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Operations in the Hywel Dda area, told The Herald: “We were so sorry to hear about the circumstances of this gentleman’s accident and would like to praise those quick-thinking bystanders who helped him prior to our arrival. “As an ambulance service with finite resources we must prioritise calls to ensure we reach the sickest patients first.

“We dispatched an ambulance immediately to this gentleman but it had to be diverted to a life-threatening emergency. “We dispatched a second ambulance just as soon as it became available. “We would encourage Mr Parker to contact us directly if he’d like to discuss his concern in more detail. This patient or his relatives are also invited to contact us if they wish.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

15 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.