News
Welsh Ambulance Service go live as a co-responding station


Milford Haven: Part of the co-responding station team
MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE, in collaboration with the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) are pleased to start the new year by announcing that Milford Haven Fire Station is the first Station of 2016 to become a co-responder in the Service area.
For many years Mid and West Wales Fire Authority and WAST have been involved in a co – responding joint scheme that aims to provide the earliest possible response to life-threatening medical emergencies.
Milford Haven is the 15th station to take up co-responding duties, the first having been introduced in 1998. Since that time, Fire Service co-responding crews have attended 14, 610 medical related calls. Milford Haven is the first to go live in 2016, with Llanelli, Port Talbot and Builth Wells to follow suit.
Milford Haven have not had long to wait for their first co-responder incident. Yesterday (Thurs) at 1.16pm the crew were called to attend a female in need of medical attention and were on the scene within minutes, closely followed by an ambulance.
Steve Roberts, First Responder Officer at WAST said: “This is exactly what the scheme is designed to achieve and shows how effectively the Fire Service and WAST can work together for our communities”.
Milford Haven Crew Manager, Alun Griffiths said: “As a station we are very excited to be part of this exciting initiative. We have only been doing it for one day and can already see how beneficial the initiative is to our community”.
The Welsh Government and all public service bodies are committed to improving the quality of services provided to the public of Wales. One of the key enablers of improvement is an enhanced level of partnership in Wales to deliver services which better meet local needs and make a difference to the communities we serve.
Greg Lloyd, Head of Clinical Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Every second counts in an emergency.
“If our fire service colleagues can get to a scene before one of our ambulances they can begin to deliver life-saving treatment – that’s only going to improve that patient’s chance of surviving.
“Co-responders play an important role alongside frontline ambulance staff in making sure patients get appropriate help quickly and efficiently, and they’re very much part of the Welsh Ambulance Service family.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rob Quin said: “We are delighted to be able to offer further support to the Welsh Ambulance Service through the inclusion of these additional locations as co-responder Stations.
“The Geography of Mid and West Wales means that we have many largely isolated towns and communities across the region. This partnership is a vital component to reaching those in isolated communities; during 2013/14 alone MAWWFRS co-responder teams attended 1,875 medical emergencies.
“The fact that MAWWFRS have firefighters located in the heart of these communities means that we are in a perfect position to offer help when it is needed. Our role, in supporting the Welsh Ambulance Service to shorten the time it takes to reach people in need of help can make the difference between life and death for many”.
ACFO Rob Quin continued: “I am also pleased to announce that another initiative is currently under development within the Service to equip front line fire appliances with automatic defibrillators; all donated to MAWWFRS by the charity Cariad.
“The medical response trial will see front line fire appliances at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Llanelli, Port Talbot and Rhayader equipped with defibrillators.
“For the first time in Wales, the initiative will allow WAST to mobilise MAWWFRS appliances that are equipped with defibrillators to confirmed cardiac arrests. Whilst firefighters will provide an initial response to certain categories of call, Ambulance crews will also be mobilised to these calls taking over from the firefighters when they arrive”.
Charity founder Mr Anthony Hamilton-Shaw said: “Cariad is delighted to be working closely with MAWWFRS, providing the Zoll AED Plus defibrillator and training to front line appliances and personnel. This partnership including the Welsh Ambulance Service will be vital in achieving the aims of the charity to reduce the number of deaths caused by Cardiac Arrest within our communities. Time is critical when responding to a Cardiac Arrest, having defibrillators with trained fire fighters close by can be the difference between life and death within our communities.
“8000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital environment each year in Wales. Sadly the current survival rate in Wales is just 3%. Working together we can make a difference”.
ACFO Rob Quin concluded: “Primary responsibility for responding to medical emergencies lies with the Ambulance Service, these initiatives will not replace these services but rather enhance them in a practical way by making good use of medically trained and suitably equipped firefighters who are often closer to the scene of an incident than Ambulance crews.”
News
Welsh Government publishes first Supplementary Budget for 2025-26

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has today (June 17) published its First Supplementary Budget for the 2025-26 financial year.
The updated budget reflects adjustments made since the Final Budget was agreed in February and includes several allocations from the Welsh Government’s reserves. It also incorporates changes to baseline funding following UK Government fiscal decisions earlier this year.
According to the written statement issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford MS, the revised budget is designed to keep public spending aligned with shifting economic conditions and priorities.
The Supplementary Budget outlines how money will be reallocated or drawn down to address emerging pressures or policy changes. It forms part of the normal financial planning process and gives the Senedd an opportunity to scrutinise government decisions taken since the Final Budget.
A debate on the Supplementary Budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, in the Senedd.
The Welsh Government said the changes ensure financial flexibility while remaining within overall spending limits.
Further details, including the full budget breakdown, are available on the Welsh Government’s website.
Photo caption:
Finance lead: Mark Drakeford MS will present the Supplementary Budget to the Senedd on July 8 (Pic: Herald)
Business
Business event shares key insights in renewable energy, innovation, and leadership

BUSINESSPEOPLE across Wales have gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to JCB Transmissions to learn about its new hydrogen generator technology, workplace culture, and future developments.
Organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales, attendees toured the facility in Wrexham and received expert insight into the company’s role in manufacturing components for carbon efficient machinery from JCB operations director Craig Weeks.
Guests were equipped with professional leadership knowledge as Craig shared his career journey with the multinational manufacturing business, as well as highlighting key decisions made to increase business growth and efficiency.
He also revealed practical ways the firm invests in its workforce by utilising training opportunities provided by the North East Wales Skills Academy (NEWSA) and Gatewen Training Services.
David Roberts, chair of North Wales IoD, believes the event spotlighted JCB’s innovation and contribution toward Wales’ net zero by 2050 target.
He said: “From its latest hydrogen generator technology to its production of gearboxes, axles, and transmissions systems, it’s evident that JCB Transmissions is paving the way as a leader in creative, cutting-edge renewable technology.
“Moreover, I think the experience gave guests the chance to understand ways in which they could make more informed investments and the long-term benefits of upskilling members of their respective teams.
“Seeing business leaders and directors attend from across Wales was also very encouraging and I hope they feel more empowered to excel in their industries.”
Speaking about Craig, an IoD North Wales Skills Development award winner, David continued: “I think there is a lot to learn from his leadership.
“His careful, considered allocation of company resources, alongside his career path from axle and gearbox technician to operations director, demonstrates great creative direction and tenacity.
“Overall, building a supportive and welcoming culture in any firm is essential for longevity and it’s something I think JCB Transmissions showcased to all attendees.”
To become an IoD volunteer, contact David Roberts on 07899 910 293.
For more information and to view upcoming events on the IoD in North Wales, visit www.iod.com/events-community/regions/wales
Crime
Neyland man admits making indecent images of children

A NEYLAND man has pleaded guilty to making 20 indecent images of children — including seven of the most serious Category A images — at his home address.
As a result of the pleas entered before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday (June 17), JAMIE DAVIES, 46, is now a registered sex offender.
Davies admitted making seven Category A images, ten Category B images and three Category C images between January 28 and November 4, 2021, at his home on Springfield Avenue, Neyland.
He denies further allegations of engaging in sexual communication with children by sending sexually motivated messages to girls under the age of 16 with the intention of eliciting sexual responses. He also denies causing or inciting girls to engage in sexual activity — including children under the age of 13 — and two further charges involving penetration.
The Crown alleges that all offences took place at Davies’ home address over a prolonged period of time.
“A phone was recovered from the defendant’s pocket,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “He was interrogated, and there were clear conversations between the defendant and young people who were aged between seven and 17. Sexual activities took place between both parties.”
Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings will begin on July 18.
Davies was released on unconditional bail.
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