News
Case not made for reopening MIUs
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has criticised a manifesto pledge by the Welsh Conservatives to reopen minor injury units in Pembrokeshire, saying that there was insufficient demand for the services provided by these units, and that the plan would divert front-line staff away from A&E wards unnecessarily.
Last week Shadow Health Minister Darren Millar announced a commitment to ‘to maintain all existing emergency departments and to re-establish minor injury units (MIUs) in community hospitals which have seen theirs axed by the Labour government – in Newtown, Tenby and Colwyn Bay and in the Rhyl/Prestatyn area.’
Coincidentally, three of these MIUs are situated in Assembly constituencies currently held by the Conservatives.
Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns welcomed the pledge: “In the constituency over the last 15 years I have seen our NHS services being neglected and eroded and have fought hard to stop the dreadful closures and movement away from Withybush,” she said.
“This pledge would be absolutely fantastic for the whole future of the health service in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire – investing in Withybush and taking the awful burden off Glangwili.
“Unfortunately the list of axed MIUs is long but I have been lobbying Darren for the Tenby MIU to be included in his commitments and I am delighted that he has accepted the case for a cast iron commitment to Tenby”
Mr Millar further claimed that Wales has ‘seen the largest reductions in healthcare spending of any of the UK nations,’ and announced plans to establish a £20 million ‘Community Hospital Development Fund.’ “Labour has been running the NHS in Wales since 1997, but they are running it into the ground,” Mr Millar claimed.
“In contrast to their legacy of cuts, closures and downgrades, we are making a commitment today to secure, re-open and widen access to NHS services in Wales.
“There would be no reorganisation of the health service under a Welsh Conservative Health Minister and key minor injury units so cruelly closed by Labour, would be re-established to relieve pressure on our emergency departments and provide more convenient access to patients.
“We have always championed the retention of frontline services and consistently opposed the downgrading that has forced patients and their families to travel further for treatment.”
“UNDERUTILISED”
In response, Health Minister Mark Drakeford claimed that the plans would provide an under-used substandard service, and suggested that the Conservative party’s UK record when in charge of the NHS was questionable at best: “The Welsh Labour Government is investing in a modern Welsh NHS,” Professor Drakeford claimed.
“According to the Treasury’s own figures, Wales spends £172 more per person on health and social services combined than in England.
“The Tories are condemning communities across Wales to unsafe and substandard services which ignore best medical advice and the gold standards which NHS services throughout the UK are striving to meet. The Tories are telling people in Tenby, Rhyl, Newtown and Colwyn Bay that they are only worth second or third best with this plan.
“By seeking to reopen minor injury units which only saw a handful of patients every week, the Tories are not just wasting money but they are threatening the very viability of the emergency departments they claim to want to protect by diverting experienced A&E staff away from the busy frontline.
“We have seen what happens to the NHS when the Tories are in charge – a top-down reorganisation no one wanted; fragmentation; increasing privatisation as the health service is sold off piece by piece and spiralling deficits. The NHS is only safe with Labour.”
Tenby MIU closed in 2013 after a survey taken during August (Tenby’s busiest month) showed that a large majority of patients could be more appropriately treated by other healthcare providers. For example, of the 224 patients seen, 43% could have been treated by a GP or Care on Call, while 19% needed treatment at Withybush Hospital A&E department.
At the time, a Hywel Dda UHB spokesperson said: “By moving forward with the closure of the Minor Injury Unit at Tenby Hospital, which currently sees a low number of attendances throughout the year, the health board will be able to redeploy our experienced nurse practitioners to enhance the Accident and Emergency Department service at Withybush Hospital for the benefit of urgent patients from across Pembrokeshire.
“Following the summer service pilot, it is clear that the majority of people only attend the unit for very minor injuries or illnesses, which can be dealt with by self care or through primary healthcare such as their GP or a local pharmacy.”
A MODERN FACILITY
Labour Assembly candidate Marc Tierney claimed that the plans showed that the Conservatives were ‘out of touch’ with issues in the constituency: “Over the last year, I’ve spoken up and lobbied the Health Board about securing primary care services in Tenby. As a result, the Health Board will bring forward an update on plans to develop an integrated model of health care for Tenby and district at its Board meeting at the end of this month,” he added.
“As our population ages, we need fresh ideas for our NHS and the challenges ahead. The important thing for me is that the community is fully engaged in planning and I know that the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network meets often with health bosses to discuss the new model.
“We must not forget that Tenby Cottage Hospital is a modern facility, built after a hard-fought campaign by local people and supported by the then Labour AM, Christine Gwyther. Rather than just bringing back one service like the MIU, I want to see existing services strengthened and new services delivered to meet the needs of local patients now and in the future. That is what people in Tenby want to see happen and I’ll keep championing those views wherever they need to be heard.”
The aging population is especially relevant in light of a Welsh Government announcement to bring community-based eye services to the area – with Tenby and south Pembrokeshire Cottage Hospitals being considered as venues.
At present, patients in Pembrokeshire have to travel to Amman Valley hospital – a 54 mile journey from Pembroke Dock – to access treatment for wet AMD, an age-related eye condition which results in loss of vision.
Many patients, after being reviewed, also have to make further trips for treatment, while the Welsh Government-funded pilot will be able to provide a review and injection on the same visit. It is hoped that providing this service in Tenby will free up surgical capacity in Amman Valley and Bronglais Hospitals, reducing waiting times for patients requiring cataract surgery.
Kathryn Davies, the Executive Director of Commissioning/Therapies and Health Sciences for Hywel Dda UHB said: “This project will improve the quality of life for approximately 340 patients, often elderly and vulnerable, currently experiencing a significant travel burden by providing this care within a community setting, much closer to home. It will also release some capacity within our whole service, allowing us to treat more people who are waiting for care and improve patient outcomes.”
The new sites should be treating patients within the next three to four months.
“Improving our patient outcomes and experience for wet AMD is a significant priority for our health board and we are excited to be progressing this project which is in line with our strategic aim to provide more review, care and treatment as close to home as possible,” Ms Davies added.
“We have also maximised the potential to use innovation, such as training community optometrists. This is not only prudent and beneficial for the health service and its capacity to provide care to our population, but also evidence of a whole-systems approach which meets standards of care and provides a better patient experience.”
Community
Spotlight shines on County’s young people at annual awards
The FOURTH Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.
The Awards – a collaboration between Pembrokeshire Youth, The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services – took place on 22nd November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.
A huge well done to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank, who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.
This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’
Sponsorship from BAM Nuttall and Pure West Radio enabled the awards to go ahead this year and helped make it a memorable evening.
The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:
Achieving positive change: The Edge Quiet Hour (winner), Craig Thompson and Samantha Barton (runners up).
Arts Award: Lleucu-Haf Thomas (winner), FADDS Youth Theatre and Tomos Roberts (runners up).
Eco Champion Award: Senedd Gwyrdd at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (winner).
Education Award: Megan Thomas (winner), Carla Briskham (runner up).
Fundraising Award: Ellie Neville (winner), George Bromwich and Molly Venables (runners up).
Making a difference in the community: Eirlys Lloyd-Phillips (winner), Pembroke Family of Schools – Social Action Project, We Know… Our Journey Group, Neyland Youth Club Group (runners up).
Most inspiring story: Aaron Briskham (winner), Aimee Hawkings and Molly Evans (runners up).
Music Award: Carys Wood + Alice Thomas (winners), Amy Evans and Iestyn Barrellie (runners up).
Sport Award: Harley and Liam Franz (winners), Caiden Meacham and Ava Tyrie (runners up).
Voice Award: Tegan Skyrme (winner), Niamh Jones, Mya-Rose John (runners up).
Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Daniella Loveridge / Chloe Harries (winners), Tomos Padel, Brogan Collins and The Point (runners up).
The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2024 this award was given to Freya Terry.
Here’s Freya’s inspiring nomination:
Freya has struggled with her mental health since she was 11. She has had some great support from the Amethyst Project and then more recently adult mental health services. She has come out of that stronger and decided to do a voyage solo around the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health in young people – attempting to inspire people to talk about their mental health so that they can get some support, rather than bottle it all up in fear and shame.
She has given talks to local Pembrokeshire youth groups, as well as talking to others as she makes her way around the country which have been really well received. She has gained so much confidence from this venture and has attracted many followers (www.she-sails.co.uk)
Boat problems left her lost at sea for many hours and then a freak wave that tossed her across the boat resulting in her getting concussion and having to call the coastguard. But this didn’t stop her, as soon as she recovered, she got going again and is making great progress.
Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes presented the overall Spotlight Award and said: “Everyone nominated in these Spotlight Awards are a real inspiration to their peers and the wider community. It was an honour to present the overall award for Freya, her story demonstrates a real resilience and commitment to give something back to society while overcoming her own struggles.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being celebrated for the exceptional things they have achieved and the difference they make in their communities.”
Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson added: “Sometimes young people are not given the credit they deserve and it is fantastic that this event is dedicated to celebrating the wonderful things they can achieve.”
The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including an inflatable assault course, circus skills, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.
Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person or group.
Sincere thanks also to Dylan Harwood who performed one of his original songs; Charlie Royal, Polly Thomas, Josh Roberts and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank for their hard work.
More pictures are available on the Children and Young People’s Rights Office Facebook page.
News
Pembroke lantern parade lights up the town
PEMBROKE’S Lantern Parade lit up the night on the Commons this evening, bringing the community together for a magical celebration of creativity and togetherness. Hosted by the Pembroke Town Team, the event showcased the vibrant spirit of the town, with lanterns crafted by locals under the expert guidance of Sand Palace Arts.
Leading the way was Brig Y Don, setting the tone for a parade filled with glowing woodland creatures and majestic swans, enchanting all who joined. Attendees were invited to the Tanyard Project to begin their illuminated journey around Pembroke, culminating at The Foundry House, where a spectacular fire display awaited.
Hot food, drinks, and festive music added to the warm atmosphere, as residents gathered to chase away the winter blues. The wishing tree, a highlight of the evening, offered a moment of reflection and hope, as attendees hung their Christmas wishes before heading home.
Thanks to funding from the MHPA Community Fund, UK Government, and Pembrokeshire Pride, the much-loved Lantern Parade was brought to life once more. This year’s event built on the success of previous parades, showcasing the continued dedication of the Pembroke Town Team, who also organised the popular Pembroke Festival earlier this year.
The team expressed gratitude to all contributors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, ensuring the tradition continues to light up the hearts of Pembroke residents.
(Pics: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive cheer as St Davids switches on Christmas lights
ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.
Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.
Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.
A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.
With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.
(Images: St Davids Cathedral)
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