News

Ambulance waiting time scandal hits home in Hakin

Published

10 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.”

Climate

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.

PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.

Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.

Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”

The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.

PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.

Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.

A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).

The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.

He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.