News

Adult care report slates Council

Published

10 years ago

July 26, 2016

Accepts reports findings: Cllr Simon Hancock

A DAMNING report from Wales’s Social Services Inspectorate (CSSIW) and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has exposed a series of scandalous and substantial shortcomings in the way Pembrokeshire County Council deals with people with learning disabilities, The Herald can reveal.

The report’s authors conclude that there is a series of significant failings in the way the Council delivers its services for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, and says that plans for improving the service are ‘aspirational or embryonic’.

The report goes on to say that some measures taken with the aim of improving the authority’s performance are ‘less effective than they could be because of the absence of an overarching strategy that drives improvement across all aspects of care and support for people with learning disabilities’.

While failings are noted at the front line of service delivery, the publication does not hold back in identifying those at fault, stating that ‘senior managers and other leaders must also accept final responsibility for the deficits in performance at the front line’.

The report finds that, while there have been historical issues about competence and performance in the Community Team for Learning Disability (CTLD), it would be a mistake for the authority to conclude that this is the main reason for the deficits in performance. Rather, inspectors concluded that care managers and others have not been well served by systems, processes and leadership in recent years.

The distinction between ‘senior management’ and ‘leadership’ is particularly telling for the authority and firmly points the finger at those considerably higher up the political and executive food chain.

The report criticised the absence of an explicit accommodation strategy for people with learning disabilities and found that there was ‘little sense that the local authority has effective processes in place that will enable it to predict demand, plan for the future and deliver sustainable and preventative solutions’.

Noting that the Health Collaborative, of which the Council is part, and its regional statement of intent have ‘the potential to provide a sound basis for progress’, inspectors found that it had ‘only marginal impact in Pembrokeshire’.

The deficiencies in the Council’s approach to dealing with the learning disabled appear to be systemic and widespread, to the extent that even fundamental care issues are not being addressed appropriately.

The inspectors note a ‘lack of any case file audit process’ and that ‘language and communication needs were not well-represented in the files examined by inspectors’. In one case, a learning disabled Welsh-speaker was compelled to communicate in English because no carer could be found who spoke Welsh.

As of September 30, 2015, there were 129 reviews that were overdue, i.e. outstanding for a year or more. This amounts to 35% of the cases that were described by the authority as either ‘active’, ‘review only’, or ‘open to review.’

In one case, there was no assessment of need or care plan on file, but there was reference to a plan having been completed FIVE years previously. In another instance, the care and support provided for a service user had not been reviewed by the authority for more than TWO years between 2013 (when a major adult protection incident was investigated) and July 2015.

It can scarcely be surprising, therefore, that the report’s authors found that: ‘The authority is not delivering information, advice, assistance and care planning to a consistently acceptable standard. Consequently it cannot be confident about the quality of outcomes for people… Most of the case files examined showed at least some aspects of practice that was either poor or required improvement’.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Well-Being and Equalities, Simon Hancock, told us: “We accept the findings in the inspection report which we acknowledge revealed a need for significant improvement.

“Indeed, prior to the inspection last December, we undertook a self-assessment of Learning Disability Services and identified a number of areas which required attention.

“As a result of that awareness, the management team drew up a comprehensive improvement plan which they and the staff have been following since the beginning of the year in order to ensure that the necessary improvements are put in place.”

Among the actions identified in the improvement plan was to appoint a Champion for Learning Disabilities services in Pembrokeshire, and Councillor Hancock took up this position in January.

In order to ensure service users and carers are involved in agreeing priorities and are helping shape the service, a Learning Disability Partnership Board has been set up and a number of engagement events with service users and carers have also been held so that the voice of the customer is heard.

Councillor Hancock added: “The improvement plan will not only help ensure that the recommendations from the CSSIW inspection process are met, but that service improvement is sustained.

“I am passionate in my role of Learning Disabilities Champion for Pembrokeshire and am satisfied that we are on target to deliver the changes required.”

Entertainment

Blodwen Rocks the Boat sets sail for Torch Theatre

Published

15 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

One-woman musical comedy from Newport performer Emily Davis heads to Milford Haven after Fringe success

FOLLOWING a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Newport performer Emily Davis is setting sail on a UK tour with her uplifting one-woman musical comedy, Blodwen Rocks the Boat.

Blending sharp satire, original songs and heartfelt storytelling, the show takes an affectionate look at modern ideas of work, ambition and success — and what happens when we dare to question the path we’re on.

Blodwen believes she’s finally got it all figured out. The job, the city lifestyle, the reassuring sense that she’s “made it.” But when a corporate away day takes her unexpectedly out to sea, something begins to shift. As the tide turns, so too does Blodwen’s understanding of what success really means.

Directed by Paulus the Cabaret Geek and accompanied by musician and composer Andy Campbell Smith, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a witty and life-affirming reminder that success isn’t always about climbing higher — sometimes it’s about choosing your own direction.

Emily Davis is a Welsh cabaret performer, singer and writer who has built a loyal following for her character-led solo shows. Previous Blodwen productions have enjoyed acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and venues including the Wales Millennium Centre. This latest show marks her most ambitious project yet — a fully original musical developed through Fringe performances, previews and professional collaboration.

Emily said: “My Blodwen has blossomed! This is my biggest show yet and I can’t wait to see how audiences respond. I invite you to spend an evening with me — a Welsh woman who can sing and doesn’t mind making a fool of herself on stage! I promise you’ll also leave feeling very excited about stationery!”

The London Theatre Review described the show as “stunning”, adding: “Emily’s striking and powerful singing contrasts beautifully with the Welsh-accented simplicity of Blodwen’s stories. What an engaging performer.” Cabaret Scenes praised her vocal talent, calling it “her secret weapon.”

Blodwen Rocks the Boat tours the UK this spring and comes to the Torch Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £15 and the show is suitable for ages twelve and over.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Let the cat out of the bag with the Torch Theatre

Published

15 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

IT MAY feel like Christmas is a long way off, but tickets for the Torch Theatre’s 2026 school pantomime are already selling fast.

This year’s production promises hiss-terical humour, plenty of local references and a whisker of Western adventure as Puss in Boots rides into town. With over 2,000 tickets already booked and some performances sold out, schools are being urged to secure their seats now.

For a limited time, tickets are available at a special early bird price, and schools pay nothing until December. Booking early not only guarantees the best seats in the house but locks in this year’s prices too.

Last year’s Rapunzel welcomed more than 3,000 schoolchildren from across Pembrokeshire. Six schools also received financial support through the Arts Council of Wales ‘Go and See Fund’ to attend. The theatre is hoping to build on that success in 2026.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “For many young people, pantomime is their first experience of live theatre — that first spark of theatrical magic. Our commitment goes beyond the curtain call, with every school receiving a dedicated resource pack to bring the themes of the show into the classroom.

“Regardless of where they live, young people need the arts. We’re proud to support our community’s wellbeing through live performance. Studies suggest that the social connection found at the theatre can even reduce GP visits and hospital stays. Our panto isn’t just a show — it’s part of building a healthier Pembrokeshire. And they do say laughter is the best medicine.”

The Torch is preparing to welcome audiences this December as Puss helps our heroes chase fame and fur-tune in Wild West Wales. Pull on your cowboy boots and join the meow-sical extravaganza — it promises to be the cat’s pyjamas.

A Relaxed Environment performance will take place on Saturday 19 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday 22 December at 6:00pm.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Education

Pembrokeshire respiratory project praised at the Senedd

Published

15 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE Pembrokeshire scheme improving asthma care for primary school children has been recognised at an event held at the Senedd on Monday (Jan 27).

The Pembrokeshire Schools Respiratory Project, which has been running since 2023 across North and South Pembrokeshire school clusters, delivers in-school respiratory reviews and education sessions for pupils, parents and teaching staff. It is believed to be the first programme of its kind in Wales.

Samuel Kurtz met with project lead, Narberth-based pharmacist Dave Edwards, along with representatives from Asthma + Lung UK to mark the project’s success.

Mr Edwards said respiratory conditions place a significant burden on children and their families, as well as on the wider healthcare system.

“Our aim is to confirm diagnoses, educate pupils and parents about their condition, emphasise adherence and inhaler technique, and ensure every child has a personalised treatment plan that gives them good control,” he said. “This project demonstrates how local health initiatives can make a real difference.”

As part of the scheme, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils received sessions on the dangers of smoking and vaping, highlighting the impact of these habits on respiratory health. Parents and school staff were offered training aligned with the National Review of Asthma Deaths recommendations and delivered through the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme.

The sessions covered common childhood respiratory illnesses, recognising asthma symptoms, correct inhaler technique, the features of good asthma control, and the importance of having clear action plans for worsening symptoms.

Schools participating in the ‘Asthma Fit’ programme have introduced strengthened asthma policies, including appointing a designated asthma lead, maintaining an up-to-date inhaler register, implementing individual asthma action plans, and ensuring staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to attacks.

The project also aligns with national guidance, including the RCP’s National Review of Asthma Deaths report, NHS England’s National Bundle of Care for Children and Young People with Asthma, and the All Wales Paediatric Asthma Guidelines.

To date, 583 children have been reviewed, with more than 65% showing improved asthma control scores. Treatment has been optimised for 65% of pupils, contributing to fewer hospital and out-of-hours visits. The project has also delivered environmental benefits, with carbon savings estimated to be equivalent to more than 70,000 car miles.

In the Autumn Term 2025 alone, 75 pupils received reviews, personalised action plans and inhaler education.

Mr Kurtz said: “I am delighted to celebrate the success of this Pembrokeshire project in the Senedd. It has helped children, parents and schools manage asthma better, easing the burden on GPs and emergency care. Behind every statistic is a real child seeing real improvement.

“I am extremely proud that a Pembrokeshire-based project is leading the way in asthma management and acting as a flagship for other areas across the UK. I am also pleased to hear that plans are already in place to expand the initiative to more schools over the next two years — it thoroughly deserves continued support.”