News

Plans progress for Ward 10 facilities

Published

9 years ago

October 14, 2016

Withybush Hospital: Plans for new Ward 10 facilities progress

LOCAL fundraisers and key stakeholders came together this week (Oct 12) to hear about the latest plans for a new Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology and Oncology Ward (formerly known as Ward 10) at Withybush Hospital.

Hywel Dda University Health Board, in partnership with its stakeholders, is currently preparing detailed plans for the multi-mullion pound investment. The proposed new facilities will provide a better environment for patients through modern, purpose-built areas which are dementia friendly, and support those with bariatric requirements. It is also hoped the new facility will strengthen services and encourage appointment of key posts within the hospital.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Hospital Director at Withybush, said: “We are making good progress in bringing together all the necessary plans and documentation for the development and have recently shared detailed layout plans with staff, stakeholders and the public. We will shortly be going out to tender for the building works which will then inform the business case to be submitted to Welsh Government for consideration early next year and, subject to the necessary approvals, enable the development to go ahead.

“It’s really important to recognise the involvement and engagement of our staff, partners and key charitable representatives in the local community with this exciting development; we very much value their contribution and will continue to work closely with them, and share further updates with the public, as we move forward.

“We also wish to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of Elly Neville and her family and we congratulate them as Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal fund recently hit the £46,000 mark. This will greatly contribute to improving the patient experience on Ward 10.”

Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal started back in May last year; however, last week it hit a new milestone, having raised over £50k.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville, commented: “As a family we are happy to be able to give back to Ward 10 following the care I received and, more recently, my sister. We would like to thank the Pembrokeshire public and business community for their support of Elly’s Appeal and thank the Ward 10 staff for their amazing work and dedication.”

Around £345k has now been raised by the Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal; however, further funding for the development is dependant on monies being secured from the Welsh Government.

Helen Johns, Senior Sister of Ward 10, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support our local community has given to this scheme. In addition to local fundraising efforts, patients and their relatives have given their precious time to consider and comment on the proposed floor plans, meaning that the ward will be designed by Pembrokeshire people for Pembrokeshire people.”

The development is part of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s wider plans to upgrade a range of dementia friendly facilities for patients at Withybush Hospital, including the new Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit, which will replace the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit.

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.