News

Appreciation expressed for dedicated Withybush staff

Published

9 years ago

December 6, 2016

STAFF in Withybush Hospital’s Ward 10 have been praised for the care they give to local patients and their relatives.

Earlier this year, Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) visited the ward to speak to patients and their families and to observe the current environment of care. Feedback was also sought from staff, patients and the public through an online survey and other engagement activities.

Fiona Lordon, Sister on Ward 10, said: “We’re pleased to see that the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the ‘warm and friendly feel of the ward’ and recognising the dedicated and compassionate care provided by our staff for all our patients and their families.”

Dennis Evans, the CHC’s Local Committee Chair for Pembrokeshire, said “Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital continues to play an important part in the lives of patients and their families in Pembrokeshire and the surrounding areas. During our visits patients and their families were overwhelmingly positive about the dedicated and compassionate care they received from the staff in Ward 10. Much needed improvements to the ward environment will further enhance people’s overall experience of care, and we will continue to work with the Health Board to support continued progress with the Ward 10 redevelopment plans.”

The CHC report, which was presented to a recent meeting of key stakeholders, also highlighted that existing facilities and environment need improving and this feedback will be included in the current plans to develop the existing ward into a new, multi-million pound, designated Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology & Oncology Ward.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Hospital Director, said “The plans for the proposed development are well underway with the business case currently being prepared for Welsh Government consideration. Subject to the necessary approvals, we are anticipating that building works on the ward will begin next year.”

“I wish to acknowledge the valued involvement of all our stakeholders in moving these plans forward, and to particularly thank our local charities and fundraisers for their ongoing efforts in helping to improve the patient environment”.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville, commented: “It is very encouraging to see real progress being made on the Ward 10 project. Elly’s Appeal will continue to do what we can to raise funds and raise the profile of the Ward with the Pembrokeshire public.”

More than £355,000 has been raised so far by the Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal. The majority of funding for the development is dependent on securing monies from the Welsh Government.

As part of the wider work to improve our palliative, haematology and oncology services locally, a course was recently held at the Haverfordwest Hospital for doctors and health care professionals to develop their skills in palliative and end of life care for adult patients locally. Dr Rob Jones, End of Life Care Development Facilitator, organised the course with the aim of bringing it to a local venue rather than a number of individuals having to go to Cardiff.

Dr Jones said “The course was well received and hopefully we can run others in the future. I would like to thank the lecturers invited from Cardiff University – Dr Fiona Rawlinson, Dr Nikki Pease and Dr Jo Hayes who successfully delivered the programme for us.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

17 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

23 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

Crime

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

Published

39 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.