News

Winter pressures ‘already hitting NHS’

Published

9 years ago

December 29, 2015

PLAID’S Shadow Health Minister Elin Jones has called on the Labour Government in Wales to take action to sort out the Emergency Care system to prevent a repeat of the previous winter crisis. She pointed to new figures showing that in November, 2,354 people attending a major A+E unit waited longer than 12 hours to be seen. Performance against the 4 hour target was also down, with just 77% of people being seen within 4 hours – a deterioration on performance a year ago.

Figures for Scotland show that during the period from the 2nd November to 6th December, a five week period, just 56 patients waited longer than 12 hours, and performance against the 4 hour target ranged from 94.3% to 95.3% for each of the weeks. Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Minister for Health, Elin Jones said:“Doctors in A+E departments rightly focus on those who are more seriously ill, and during winter we know that many of the cases in A+E are more complex and require more time to treat.

However, the statistics on time spent in emergency departments provide us with a snapshot of how the system is coping. That waiting times are longer than the same period last year is worrying, and shows that lessons have not been learned from previous winters. “In November, 2,354 people waited longer than 12 hours to be admitted, transferred or discharged – almost 2,300 more people than waited that length of time in Scotland over the equivalent period.

If the Labour government had ensured better access to GPs and Minor Injury Units, and better availability of out of hours cover, then many of those people could have avoided long A+E waits. “A Plaid Cymru government would train and recruit an extra 1000 doctors, which would ensure we had the doctors needed to provide out of hours GP services, as well as ensuring GPs could offer more same-day appointments.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.