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Thousands sign online petition for return 24 hour paediatric care at Withybush

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A protest last year in Cardiff against cuts to services at Withybush hospital

A protest last year in Cardiff against cuts to services at Withybush hospital

AN ONLINE petition to bring back 24 hour paediatric services to Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest has gained over 2000 signatures in only a few hours.

The change.org appeal, started by hospital campaigner Myles Banford-Lewis was launched on social media today and has received a ground-swell of support.

Hospital campaigners Myles Balford-Lewis and partner Jasmine McGinley

Hospital campaigners Myles Balford-Lewis and partner Jasmine McGinley

Myles said: “I am petitioning the Hywel Dda Health Board and Mark Drakeford, the Health Minister to return 24 hour Paediatrics to Withybush General Hospital. Back in August 2014 the Hywel Dda Health board and the Labour Welsh Assembly pushed through a policy of centralisation to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. This now means that there is no Special Care Baby Unit, 24 hour Children’s Ward (currently running on a limited 12 hour service) and no 24 hour antenatal care at Withybush Hospital.

He added: “This in itself has had a completely negative impact on health care in south west Wales with many families being forced to travel for over an hour to reach the healthcare they need at Glangwili. Moreover this has also caused a great deal of hardship on these families, myself included as we have been forced to drive in some cases over 100 mile round trip to reach these service.

“Sometimes even further as Glangwili is often full up with children from both counties. Lives have been put at risk by the removal of services in the Pembrokeshire locality and this is wholly unacceptable in this day and age. Severely ill children that would otherwise be seen locally and stabilised locally are now having to wait for a transport team based in Bristol to come down to Haverfordwest to drive a child to a hospital nearly an hour away for treatment.

“This ambulance (and there is only one to cover everywhere from Ceredigion to Oxfordshire) can take several hours to arrive. It took eight hours to transport my own daughter from Withybush to Glangwili before Christmas. The problems that the current centralisation policy has caused are horrendous to families and need addressing immediately. We need our services back starting with the children’s ward which can be returned to 24 hour status in the quickest possible time.”

TO SIGN THE PETITION CLICK HERE

Myles told The Herald: 'Our baby Freddie would have died if he had been born 10 days later when services stopped’

Myles told The Herald: ‘Our baby Freddie would have died if he had been born 10 days later when services stopped’

 

 

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Entertainment

Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

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A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.

The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.

Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.

Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”

The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.

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Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

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Crime

Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

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BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.

In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”

The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.

Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire

The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.

According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.

Call for action

Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.

The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:

“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”

With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.

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