Community

West Wales residents put caring staff at top of their hospital wish list

Published

13 years ago

January 6, 2014

PEOPLE across West Wales have voted ‘caring staff’ as the most important element when staying in hospital.

A new survey, conducted by BMI Werndale Hospital in West Wales, focused on attitude towards caring for others and how people view professions that deliver care.

The survey also indicates how social media is fast becoming the most popular way to stay in touch with people.

With just days until Christmas, the ‘Care’ survey revealed there is plenty to be cheery about as we head into the season of good will, as residents across West Wales believe people would be prepared to perform a selfless act to help someone else. Of those surveyed 67% believed most people would help someone who had fallen in the street. It seems there are some favourite ways for people in West Wales to reach out to someone to show they care. 13% said they would ‘ask someone if they were ok or how they were feeling’, 13% said they would be a good listener, but it was giving someone a hug that came out on top with 27%.

The survey highlighted how we look to certain professions to deliver care when it is needed. Nursing proved to be the profession that is most associated with care 53%, with other caring professions including firefighters (20%) and paramedics (6.7%).

Director of Nursing at BMI Werndale Hospital, Gaynor Llewelyn said: “The survey reveals some reassuring information about the community where we live and work. It is good to know that residents across West Wales believe reaching out to others is still an important part of their busy lives.”

Those who responded to the survey were very clear about the most important requirement during a stay in hospital. Whilst 20% said they would look for clean facilities, 80% said it was the caring staff that was their most important requirement.

Something 76 year-old Elaine Rees from Llanelli can relate to during her recent stay at BMI Werndale Hospital. Having been admitted for a total hip replacement operation, Elaine was so impressed with the care received, she wanted to show some appreciation so wrote to the team to say thank you:

“I was so impressed with how I was looked after, it really was incredible. The staff throughout the hospital put me at my ease and made my stay at BMI Werndale Hospital extremely comfortable and as worry free as a stay in hospital can be. It was so important to my recovery following the operation; I can’t thank the team enough.”

Gaynor Llewellyn said: “It is always such an amazing gesture for a patient like Elaine to take the time to say thank you to our staff. We never take thank you letters for granted. Everyone in the hospital is made aware of the kind words people express.”

Gaynor added: “It has to be recognised that although our nurses are incredibly caring, the care delivered to our patients is extended throughout the hospital by ALL of our staff. From our receptionists who greet our patients through to the catering staff; everybody here at BMI Werndale Hospital is passionate about care and goes above and beyond to try and make every patient’s stay here as comfortable as possible.

The latest patient survey results for BMI Werndale Hospital speak for themselves with 97% of patients rating the nursing care received at the hospital as either excellent or very good.

Executive Director, Caroline Daymond said: “The patient survey stands as a great insight into how we all perform. We are very proud of our hospital and we make it our priority to work as hard as possible to make each patient’s journey through the hospital as smooth and as compassionate as possible. The results around care are an important indicator of how well we perform across the hospital and we monitor the results very closely.

I would like to thank the team for the continued hard work and for the energy they give. It is also important to realise the need to build on this, which is something we’ll be aiming to do throughout 2014.”

With Christmas fast approaching, it seems the spirit of good will is alive and well in West Wales. The survey revealed when it comes to donating to charity there were multiple ways people donate with 73% of responders saying they would give money. Other ways of donating included:

Time (13%)

Unwanted items (73%)

It seems people across West Wales also believe Wales is the most caring region in the UK with 73%.

The survey revealed how modern forms of communication are becoming ever more important in our lives with 60% saying they are aware if people are struggling or need help through social media. 27% of people chose to stay in touch with friends and neighbours by mobile telephone.

Others included:

Popping around for a chat (33%)

Text / What’s App (26%).

Community

Public invited to have say on Council Tax premiums for second homes

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents and other interested parties for their views on Council Tax premiums for the 2027-28 financial year.

The consultation focuses on the future level of additional Council Tax charged on second homes and long-term empty properties across Pembrokeshire.

A Council Tax premium is charged on top of the standard Council Tax bill, which also includes contributions towards the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council said feedback received through the consultation would help inform future decisions about the level of the premiums and how any additional income raised should be used to support local priorities.

Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Council Tax Premium Setting for 2027-28 consultation on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website.

Paper copies are available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the premium levels and the use of any money raised is expected to be made by the full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any changes agreed will take effect from April 1, 2027.

Community

Milford Haven EarthCam back online after brief technical issue

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN’S popular EarthCam is back in action following a brief technical issue.

The camera, positioned on top of the Pembrokeshire Herald building at 11 Hamilton Terrace, provides panoramic views across the town, marina and the Milford Haven Waterway.

The live feed captures shipping movements and changing weather conditions along the Haven, with striking views towards the refinery and energy terminals further upstream.

Viewers can also follow the progress of the new block of flats being constructed on Charles Street, on the former Motorworld site.

The camera has proved popular with residents, former Pembrokeshire residents living further afield, maritime enthusiasts and visitors keen to check conditions around the town and waterway.

WATCH THE MILFORD HAVEN EARTHCAM LIVE

Community

Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

Published

4 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success.

Crowds lined the streets on Saturday, July 11, as a colourful parade made its way through the town before the celebrations continued at Neyland RFC.

Organisers said the day had exceeded expectations, with families turning out in the sunshine to support the parade, musicians, stalls and activities.

***Carnival King and Queen: Malcolm and Margaret***

Posting after the event, Neyland Carnival said: “Yesterday certainly didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic day we had.

“We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. It’s always great to see how well the carnival is supported.

“Thank you to all that entered the parade and to everyone that lined the streets.”

Organisers also thanked Margaret and Malcolm, who served as the town’s King and Queen, along with everyone who entered the parade and helped create the floats and costumes.

Audrey John donated fabric to help decorate the Prince and Princess float, while Becki Lorch provided hair styling for the princesses.

Sinclair Neyland supplied the vehicle used by the town’s King and Queen, with John Gidman acting as driver.

Neyland RFC provided the use of its pitch, with members of the junior section helping with the clean-up. The Hub and its staff were also thanked for hosting and supporting the event.

Green Light Traffic Management provided vehicles and helped manage traffic, supported by Valero volunteers and other volunteers working on the gates and road closures.

The carnival’s three main sponsors were Ron Skinner & Sons, Community Interest Care and Neyland Town Council.

Further sponsorship was provided by Hart Windows & Doors, The Plaice to Eat, No Mercy Wrestling and Cleddau Memorials.

Organisers also thanked Rob Hymers for providing the stage, Communic8 for equipment hire, Phil Haskett-Smith for photography, Junk Monkey for skip hire and Pro Scaffolding Pembrokeshire.

Rose and Willow helped keep children hydrated during registration, while Arthur Day managed the carnival field.

Thanks were also extended to all of the musicians, stallholders and volunteers who supported the event, including those who returned on Sunday morning to help with the clean-up.

Stuart Rice was thanked for helping with advertising.

The parade was judged by Neyland Mayor Peter Hay, Pembroke Dock Mayor Tony Wilcox and Neyland East county councillor Simon Hancock.

Organisers said the strength of support from residents, businesses and volunteers had once again shown the community spirit behind one of Neyland’s most popular annual events.