News

New roles for RVS volunteers

Published

10 years ago

April 4, 2016

Volunteers thanked: Health Board Chair Bernadine Rees (Front left) with volunteers at Withybush Hospital

HYWEL DDA UHB has stated that it is committed to continuing the close relationship with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) by finding new roles for its volunteers, so that they can continue supporting patients at hospitals across mid and west Wales as they have done for many years.

The Chair of the Health Board, Bernadine Rees, has been meeting with volunteers to discuss opportunities that are being created to enhance the service provided to patients at Bronglais, Withybush, Glangwili and Prince Philip hospitals.

The health board has committed to retaining the services of the RVS following the introduction of new cafe and retail services on all four acute sites, which the RVS had previously provided.

At a meeting with RVS volunteers in Withybush Hospital last week, Bernadine said: “It’s with some sadness that we are here for afternoon tea. You have shown such support for patients and families, and we have to recognise that it is the end of a particular era. It’s great to be here to thank you, and to recognise the fantastic work that you have done to date.

“We very much value the contribution you have made, and will continue to make in the future.

“There is a need to continue to support our patients, but in different ways, and provide a warm welcome to patients and staff which we can do through the many talents you have in the RVS.

“We have some new opportunities being created across Hywel Dda, and through your work we can continue enhancing the service we provide to patients. You will still be the face of the RVS in Pembrokeshire, and the bonus for Hywel Dda is that on some sites where there has not been such presence, the profile of the RVS will be raised.

“Thank you on behalf of Hywel Dda University Health Board (as well as the former organisations, including Pembrokeshire & Derwen NHS Trust and Pembrokeshire Local Health Board), and from our staff and the local population in Pembrokeshire, for the years gone by and for your contribution in the future.”

Peter Llewellyn, Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, added: “Initially, we will be concentrating on the continuation of the specific RVS volunteer services traditionally provided at Withybush and Glangwili Hospitals for reception areas at both sites.

“The next stage will involve providing a sustainable RVS trolley and associated ward-based service, which will also include Prince Philip and Bronglais Hospitals.

“We are working closely with the RVS to ensure that we continue to identify and jointly recruit sufficient volunteers for such services to be available for patients across all our main Hospital sites. We have also planned some training days allowing these volunteers to extend their current roles in the Hospitals going forward.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.