News
New improved Medical Day Unit at Withybush
PATIENTS in Pembrokeshire can now access the newly refurbished and relocated Medical Day Unit at Withybush Hospital.
The new unit, which is now located on the first floor of the hospital, will provide patients and staff with a much improved, permanent facility, allowing more capacity for treatment in an environment that meets the needs of patients, ensuring they can be treated and cared for with dignity and respect.
The purpose of the unit is to provide day case medical care to Pembrokeshire patients over 5 days of the week, preventing hospital admission and enabling patients to maintain personal and/or work commitments.
Care is also provided closer to home for patients who may have previously needed to travel to tertiary centres to receive their treatments, such as infusion therapies (rheumatology, gastroenterology, haematology) radiological procedures, respiratory treatments/procedures, endocrinology test procedures and other clinical interventions that may be managed on a day case basis.
Bernardine Rees OBE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “It’s wonderful that our patients can start using this modern facility from today. It has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind whilst providing an environment that caters for the needs of patients using the service.”
Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Withybush Hospital Director and County Director & Commissioner for Pembrokeshire, added: “I’d like to express my personal thanks to everyone who has contributed to this over the past few months. Staff from numerous teams have brought their expertise together on this project and I would like to recognise all who have played their part, in particular our estates and hotel services teams and all staff working within the Medical Day Unit for their dedication and hard work.”
This is part of the health board’s ongoing commitment to improve services at Withybush Hospital, which has already seen the delivery of the new Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) and the Pembrokeshire Haematology & Oncology Day Unit (PHODU).
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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