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News

Withybush: Special care baby unit to close

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WithybushIT HAS BEEN announced today that the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush hospital, Haverfordwest will close, but consultant led services will remain at the hospital until such time as midwife led service is ready to be deployed.

Health Minister for Wales, Mark Drakeford: “Essential factor is that a mother should be able to make an informed decision on the place of birth. These changes will mean that the majority of services will be continued to be provided locally by their GP and hospital as they are now. Women can continue to safely have their deliveries at the midwife led units.” He continued: “I endorse the new service model”

Commenting on the statement from the welsh Labour Government on the future of level 2 neonatal services in the Hywel Dda Health Board area in West Wales, Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:

“This decision represents a bleak day for the people of Pembrokeshire who have campaigned and fought tirelessly to protect lifesaving baby services at Withybush Hospital.

“This decision is dangerous and in immediately life-threatening cases, could pose severe harm to mothers and babies and Welsh Labour Ministers carry a heavy responsibility in pursuing this centralising agenda.

“Expectant mothers must be confident in the knowledge that services are fit for purpose and that care for sick and vulnerable babies will be available if the worst happens.

“Travelling any distance lessens survival chances and in a rural area like Pembrokeshire, reaching medical attention within the golden hour can make the difference between life and death.

“We need to hear a cast iron guarantee from Labour Ministers that there will be no reduction in paediatrics or other services at Withybush Hospital as a result of this downgrade.

“Many patients will see this closure as a financial decision, perhaps resulting from Labour’s legacy of record-breaking NHS cuts.”

Angela Burns, Assembly Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, said, “Trust and safety are the two most important things for any new mother and baby when they are in a healthcare environment.

“We need a clear undertaking from the Welsh Government that Labour Ministers will keep a close watch on neonatal care in West Wales for the security of patients.

“Many patients fear that Hywel Dda Health Board is trigger happy when it comes to closing services, but not quick enough in getting alternative proposals in place or recruiting staff to properly resources those services.

“It is critical that safety nets are in place before any closures to give campaigners and families confidence that the best interests of mothers and babies are the overriding priority in devising neonatal care provision.

“Labour Ministers must now assure patients in Pembrokeshire that this is not a slippery slope towards the further loss of services at Withybush Hospital.”

Paul Davies AM said “Today is a bleak day for the people of Pembrokeshire. The minister has made it clear that he will close the SCBU at Withybush, and this will put lives at risk. This decision has been taken without geographical considerations being taken into account. The WAG needs to take into consideration transfer times and transport. Pembrokeshire has challenging transport links, and if critical services are not based in Pembrokeshire then it is unlikely that people will be able to access critical services within one hour. New centralised baby unit will cost over £12,000,000 to set up.”

Mark Drakeford replied: “Should it be the case after 12 months that the new service level is unsafe then any sensible person would want to revisit that model. I am confident that Withybush hospital will continue as a hospital in West Wales and I only last week announced more capital investment in that hospital.”
Mark Drakeford, claims that while essential SCBU services are transferred, there will be a “safety net” and that work would be done on commissioning emergency transport arrangements.

Local AM, Paul Davies, asked why these arrangements were thought necessary now and not thought essential as part of the original planned service transfer.

Stephen Crabb MP told the Herald: “I am shocked and appalled at the decision by the Welsh Health Minister in Cardiff today to axe the unit which has helped save the lives of so many vulnerable mums and babies in our County.”

“This news is a cold and bitter blow to all the people across Pembrokeshire who have fought hard to save the Special Care Baby Unit. They will rightfully feel angry and deeply disappointed that their grave concerns have been ignored by the Minister. There can be no doubt that this decision will cause huge anxiety in the community. I fear that the closure of SCBU is the start of the wholesale downgrading that Welsh Government and the Health Board has been planning all along.”

“The argument that it all comes down to budget cuts is nonsense. The Labour Welsh Government was actually given extra money for health after the Coalition in Westminster ring-fenced health spending against cuts. Welsh Ministers then chose to go ahead and cut its health budget. Instead they have spent money on things like Cardiff Airport which cost the taxpayer in Wales £52 million.”

“As many Pembrokeshire people know, the Welsh Government has been trying desperately to move health services from Withybush Hospital since before 2005. The Labour Ministers in Cardiff need to wake up to reality and realise that centralising these vital services will put lives at risk in our rural communities. The next step in the campaign to save SCBU is through the courts and I fully support any such action.  I will be providing any assistance I can to help overturn this decision.”

Commenting on the statement from the welsh Labour Government on the future of level 2 neonatal services in the Hywel Dda Health Board area in West Wales, Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:

“This decision represents a bleak day for the people of Pembrokeshire who have campaigned and fought tirelessly to protect lifesaving baby services at Withybush Hospital.

“This decision is dangerous and in immediately life-threatening cases, could pose severe harm to mothers and babies and Welsh Labour Ministers carry a heavy responsibility in pursuing this centralising agenda.

“Expectant mothers must be confident in the knowledge that services are fit for purpose and that care for sick and vulnerable babies will be available if the worst happens.

“Travelling any distance lessens survival chances and in a rural area like Pembrokeshire, reaching medical attention within the golden hour can make the difference between life and death.

“We need to hear a cast iron guarantee from Labour Ministers that there will be no reduction in paediatrics or other services at Withybush Hospital as a result of this downgrade.

“Many patients will see this closure as a financial decision, perhaps resulting from Labour’s legacy of record-breaking NHS cuts.”

Angela Burns, Assembly Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, said, “Trust and safety are the two most important things for any new mother and baby when they are in a healthcare environment.

“We need a clear undertaking from the Welsh Government that Labour Ministers will keep a close watch on neonatal care in West Wales for the security of patients.

“Many patients fear that Hywel Dda Health Board is trigger happy when it comes to closing services, but not quick enough in getting alternative proposals in place or recruiting staff to properly resources those services.

“It is critical that safety nets are in place before any closures to give campaigners and families confidence that the best interests of mothers and babies are the overriding priority in devising neonatal care provision.

“Labour Ministers must now assure patients in Pembrokeshire that this is not a slippery slope towards the further loss of services at Withybush Hospital.”

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Business

Curiosity kitchen to close doors as owner takes a ‘heartfelt pause’

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S beloved Curiosity Kitchen is set to close at the end of March, as owner Beverley Newman makes the difficult decision to step back from the business.

In an emotional statement, Newman expressed gratitude to her loyal customers, many of whom have described her venture as a hidden gem.

“I’ve always said that my best days were those spent with my most positive, supportive customers—the people who made this journey worthwhile,” she wrote. “Time and time again, I’ve been told that there’s nothing like my place in Pembrokeshire, that it belongs somewhere like Cardiff or even London.”

However, despite the admiration for her work, she acknowledged that keeping the business going was no longer sustainable.

“To continue would mean treating this as a passion project rather than a viable business,” she explained. “With bills to pay and my own future to consider, I have to make the difficult but necessary decision to step back—for now.”

Newman, who has run Curiosity Kitchen with a focus on creative, high-quality bakes, reassured customers that this was not a farewell, but rather a “strategic pause.” She expressed a desire to travel and gain fresh inspiration before potentially returning with new ideas and a different venture in the future.

“This isn’t failure. It’s simply a detour,” she said.

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from customers saddened by the closure but eager to see what the future holds for Newman.

In response to messages from well-wishers, she hinted that her distinctive flavours could soon be available at another Pembrokeshire venue.

Curiosity Kitchen is expected to close by the end of March.

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Business

Karen Wood bids farewell to Dragon LNG after 15 years of community impact

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AFTER more than 15 years at Dragon LNG, Karen Wood, the company’s External Relations and Social Performance Manager, is leaving her role, marking the end of an era in the company’s extensive community engagement efforts. Her departure, effective today (Feb 28), concludes a journey that began in September 2009, during which she played a key role in fostering corporate social responsibility initiatives across Pembrokeshire.

Reflecting on her time at Dragon LNG, Karen highlighted the overwhelming support she has received from colleagues, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, describing it as “incredibly humbling.” She expressed gratitude for the collaborations and friendships built over the years and shared a special memory that encapsulated the impact of her work.

Emily’s story: A legacy of opportunity

School staff, governors, staff from Pembrokeshire County Council and Darwin Experience board members back in 2020.

One of Karen’s proudest achievements is the Dragon Darwin Experience, an initiative aimed at inspiring and educating young people in Pembrokeshire. Among the many success stories from the programme, she recalled Emily’s Story, a tale that continues to resonate within the community.

The Dragon LNG Darwin Centre Experience: Providing free field trips and hands-on activities to engage pupils

Emily was the first girl to take part in the Dragon Darwin Experience workshop in 2005, held at Pembrokeshire College under the leadership of then-principal Glyn Jones. Years later, in 2017, Karen commissioned Emily’s Story to support Dragon LNG’s application for the prestigious UBS UK Award for Education at the UK Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards. Competing against corporate giants such as British Land Rover, Greggs, Toyota UK, RBS, Hogan Lovells, and Amazon UK & Ireland, Dragon LNG made it to the final round, facing a grilling from an eight-person panel that included representatives from UBS, Goldman Sachs, Rothschild & Co, and Amazon UK.

Dragon LNG was working with 76 local schools when it won an award in 2017

On July 4, 2017, at the Royal Albert Hall, Dragon LNG achieved a milestone moment—winning the award, becoming the only Welsh company to do so that year. While Emily was unable to attend the ceremony due to volunteering overseas, her journey exemplified the long-lasting impact of the programme. The award recognised Dragon LNG as a leader in corporate responsibility, demonstrating how business can drive positive social change.

“Your organisation is a powerful example of the difference business can make to address some of society’s biggest issues,” read a congratulatory message from Business in the Community.

Karen also revealed that an update to Emily’s Story was commissioned last year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dragon Darwin Experience, ensuring the legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Huge impact: Karen Wood has driven Dragon’s engagement with the community

Closing a chapter, looking ahead

As Karen bids farewell to Dragon LNG, she leaves behind a strong legacy of educational and community engagement initiatives that have touched countless lives. While this chapter in her career closes, she remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to seeing the ongoing positive impact of the programmes she helped establish.

“While this particular book is closing, I know the stories, lasting friendships, and connections we’ve built will endure far beyond my final day. I hope our paths will cross again, and I’ll be cheering you on as you continue to achieve great things,” Karen said in her farewell message.

Her departure signals a new phase for Dragon LNG and its community programmes, raising questions about what comes next for the company’s engagement initiatives. However, one thing remains clear—Karen’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Pembrokeshire, ensuring that the seeds of opportunity she helped plant will continue to grow for years to come.

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Crime

‘No consultation’ over Narberth police station sale

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NARBERTH councillors have said there was no consultation with them over the sale of the town’s police station; the town council saying it only heard of it after a press release was issued.

Yesterday, February 27, Dyfed-Powys Police announced it is to sell Narberth Police Station and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services (MAWWFRS) in nearby Spring Gardens.

The current Jesse Road station has been identified as not meeting modern day policing requirements, the force has said.

It stated: “As a result, and as part of a £10m savings plan spanning three years, a decision has been made to formally close the station and sell the property.”

Dyfed-Powys Police says it will maintain its presence in Narberth, from a new co-location base.

Reacting to the announcement, Narberth Town Council said it only heard about the sale through a press release shared by news outlets.

A statement said: “Mayor Cllr Chris Walters has written to [Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner] Dafydd Llewlyn to express his disappointment in learning about the closure of Narberth Police Station and its intention to exit the town.

“No correspondence has been received by the town council in any capacity from either Mr Llewellyn or Dyfed Powys Police, and we are now seeking answers as to why the town has been overlooked for their views.

“We as a town council are very disappointed in this press release, especially as this was the first time we were made aware.”

County Councillor for Narberth, Cllr Marc Tierney said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner has informed me that Dyfed-Powys Police intends to sell their police station in Narberth and co-locate their service with that of the Fire Service at Spring Gardens.

“There doesn’t appear to have been any consultation on this proposal which is disappointing. Consultation allows for the co-production of public services and an opportunity for local residents to input suggestions that may enhance the final decision.

“Therefore, I have asked for a meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to ensure that the service in Narberth meets demand and keeps our community safe.”

Speaking about the sale and re-location, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis has said: “This decision has come after careful evaluation to make best use of resources and deliver an effective police service that meets the needs and expectations of our communities.

“The closure and sale of this police station is a step forward in modernising and improving our services, enabling officers to continue their work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“The decision has been made with the best interests of taxpayers and the community in mind, as the current station does not meet modern day policing requirements and is expensive to run.

“I want to reassure our local communities that Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to maintaining the same level of service and support for our local communities, and residents and business in Narberth will see no difference.”

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