News

Nuclear medicine a lifeline for frail patients

Published

9 years ago

January 5, 2016

The radiography team:
With the new imaging machine

A STATE of the art imaging machine in Withybush Hospital’s Radiology department is helping Hywel Dda University Health Board’s frailest patients get treatment closer to home. Nuclear Medicine (NM), a part of the Radiology department, is primarily a cancer detecting service and the new machine, which uses a NM Gamma Camera, combined with a CT scanner when needed, helps Radiology staff give a quicker, more precise diagnosis in appropriate cases.

A focused team of two Superintendent Radiographers, one Clinical Technologist and a NM Assistant use the system and an additional two Radiographers have extended qualifications which enable them to report on the results of the scan. For their patients this means receiving a more streamlined service – often having a single visit, dealing with a single clinical professional and receiving a consistent service – a service approach aligned with the principles of ‘prudent healthcare’.

Lead Superintendent Radiographer for Pembrokeshire, Barry Denton, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer this service in Withybush Hospital, it prevents our patients having to travel a significant distance for these scans – as far as Chester, Swansea, Neath or Cardiff. “For any patient this is less than ideal but for the more frail cancer patients especially this would have a huge impact on their care and recovery. Our Nuclear Medicine service is of real benefit to people living in the Hywel Dda area.”

In addition to the new NM system the department has been delighted to recruit a full-time Reporting Radiographer, Wynne Griffiths, to give radiological diagnoses on a variety of x-ray images including planned and emergency referrals. Since joining the university health board in 2014, Wynne’s expertise has been of benefit to patients in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire as well as those in Pembrokeshire.

Having a Radiographer with these skills has allowed the service to save money, provide more timely reports and free-up Consultant time to deal with more complex cases. Mr Denton added: “Recruiting Wynne has been a huge boost to the service. He joined us already trained in skeletal radiography and over the course of his employment here has been trained and developed to now report on chest and abdomen x-rays, too. This uncommon combination of skills means Wynne is a real asset to the Haverfordwest team and to the whole University Health Board.”

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.