News

Questions about future of surgeries

Published

9 years ago

January 5, 2016

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Simon Thomas: At the public meeting

SIMON THOMAS, the Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has raised questions about the future of provisions for Doctors in the region in a public meeting held in Tenby. The difficulties in filling GP posts, particularly in Tenby, where four positions have remained empty for 18 months has had a knock-on impact on patients. The meeting, held in December, was attended by many local people including former Doctors and NHS staff, as well as local residents. The Assembly Member told attendees that the currently severe shortage of health professionals in Wales means that we have one of the lowest levels of doctors per head in the whole European Union.

Simon Thomas told the meeting that a Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will train and recruit an additional 1,000 doctors to bring down the desperate waiting times for tests and GP appointments, that are particularly hitting Mid and West Wales. He said: “I am grateful to all those who participated in the meeting including representatives of local GPs and voluntary sector organisations. We must work together to get the best possible solution both for patients and GPs.

“The importance of long term planning for GPs is at the heart of the current predicament. Our plans to secure long term planning have been consistently knocked back by the Labour Party and the Tories, who both claim to be defending the NHS. “People are crying out for competent leadership in order to repair and secure our NHS. There’s currently a ridiculous situation where people feel that they might as well not bother to contact their GP when they are sick because of the long wait for an appointment. This should not be the case, and that is not the aim of the NHS. “The Party of Wales understands that Wales faces many challenges, but we believe there is nothing that cannot be fixed.”

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.