News
Walk-in service planned for Tenby
PLANS will be developed to introduce a walk-in health service for residents and tourists at Tenby Cottage Resource Centre, Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed.
A full specification will need to be agreed, but the service is likely to be able to offer convenient access to a range of treatments for minor illnesses and injuries.
The service will be a joint collaboration between the Health Board and Tenby GP Practice. The Health Board piloted walk-in services led by nurses at Tenby Cottage Resource Centre during the Easter break, and Tenby GP Practice has also been providing a nurse practitioner -led service for patients.
Advanced nurse practitioners are highly skilled health care professionals with expert knowledge and who can offer advanced care and treatment directly to patients, or refer to other services if necessary.
At the Health Board meeting, Interim Director for Commissioning, Primary Care, Therapies and Health Sciences, Jill Paterson, explained: “Both the practice and the Health Board have experience of this type of model and can see the merits of accessible provision for the local community, which also lessens the dependence on GP-led services and Emergency Departments.”
During the 10-day Easter pilot, which was open 10am-6pm, a total of 180 patients were seen. Treatment and care was provided to 142 of those patients within the service itself, 31 were referred for follow-up with their own GP or practice nurse, three needed further investigations, two patients did not wait to be seen and two were referred to be seen in secondary care (hospital based services). Most of those attending were local residents, with a smaller number of visitors.
The most common presentations were for infections and inflammation or for pain management, all of which are well within the capability of nurse practitioners.
During the pilot, the ongoing community pharmacy Triage and Treat scheme, which offers a minor injury assessment and treatment service from participating pharmacies, was also running.
Ms Paterson said: “We have been working very closely with the local community and key stakeholders, via South East Pembrokeshire Community and Primary Care Service Development Group which includes members from South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network, Hywel Dda Community Health Council, social services, the third sector, GP Practice staff and the health board.
“Following the pilot, an option appraisal workshop was held with the group to consider six options for future development and investment in this area. It was unanimously agreed that the preferred option was development of a business case to support the establishment of a walk-in service at Tenby Cottage Resource Centre in collaboration with Tenby GP Practice.”
“We will now work hard to build that case, continuing our work with the community and GP practice, and looking at what the service needs in terms of provision, resourcing, staffing and other support.”
Crime
Pembrokeshire due face trial after denying assault charges
PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.
The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted Christopher Allen, causing actual bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Joanna Allen during the same incident.
The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.
During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.
The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.
The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.
As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.
News
Runners embark on 250km challenge along Pembrokeshire Coast
A PICTURESQUE Pembrokeshire tourist spot witnessed 40 runners embarking on a gruelling 250km run along the Wales Coast Path to raise funds for an inspiring mental health charity.
The runners are taking on the challenge over five days, traversing the stunning Welsh Coastal Path. So far, they have raised an incredible £50,606 for the Cardiff-based charity, bigmoose.
Bigmoose is a mental health organisation that provides vital therapy services and suicide first aid training. Since 2022, the charity has helped 1,000 people complete therapy, with 65 of those individuals revealing they were contemplating suicide before bigmoose intervened. This month alone, the charity has received 118 new referrals.
Currently, bigmoose is on a mission to raise £15 million to continue offering essential support to those in need of mental health services.
Yesterday, the runners arrived in St Davids, filled with excitement and nerves, ready to take their first steps in the epic journey. Supporters with cowbells cheered them on as they set off.
The group is aiming to cover 50km each day to help the charity raise the crucial funds required for its life-saving work.
“50km every day is no easy feat, let alone doing it for five days straight,” said a spokesperson for the charity.
“Each and every one of these individuals is absolutely incredible. They are taking on the challenge to help people struggling with their mental health, and we are so grateful for them.
“We want to say the biggest thank you to each and every runner from the @itswhywerun class of 2024 – you are saving lives.”
This remarkable effort highlights not only the runners’ endurance but also the ongoing need to support mental health initiatives across Wales and beyond.
Crime
Mother accused of murdering seven-year-old son appears in court
A THAI woman accused of murdering her seven-year-old son has appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where the case was described as “extremely complicated” by her defence team.
Papaipit Linse, 42, is charged with the murder of her son, Louis Linse, who was found dead at a house in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on January 10. The defendant, who remains in custody, appeared in court on Monday but was not asked to enter a plea.
John Hipkin KC, representing Linse, requested that she not be arraigned due to the case’s psychiatric complexities, highlighting the need for additional time to complete necessary reports. In response, Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case to a further hearing on October 25. No trial date has been set at this stage.
The prosecution is led by Caroline Rees KC, while the defence is handled by John Hipkin KC. During the brief court appearance, no new details of the case were revealed.
Police were called to an address in Upper Market Street in Haverfordwest shortly before 10.45 am on January 10. Despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene, the child was later confirmed dead. Louis was transported to Withybush General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm.
In January, during a hearing at Pembrokeshire Coroner’s Court, coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan stated: “At 10.44 am on Wednesday, January 10, police received an emergency phone call reporting the suspected death of a child. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services at the scene and medical staff at the hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 12 pm on Wednesday, January 10.”
The tragic incident has left the Haverfordwest community in shock. Further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses in the coming months.
-
News4 days ago
Firefighter’s dismissal marks turning point for Mid and West Wales Fire Service
-
News5 days ago
Ironman Wales 2024 kicks off in Tenby with grueling swimming challenge
-
News5 days ago
British triathlete Pete Dyson triumphs at Ironman Wales 2024
-
News5 days ago
Ironman cycling stage: A demanding course in variable Welsh weather
-
Crime2 days ago
Milford man in court for creating indecent pseudo images of children
-
Business4 days ago
Award winning butcher’s plea against road changes in Haverfordwest
-
Community2 days ago
Local woman launches addiction support group in Milford Haven
-
Crime4 days ago
Milford Haven man to face court over multiple historic sexual offences