News

Nurse struck off after death of disabled man

Published

9 years ago

July 4, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Lorraine Stevens, 61: Struck off (pic. WNS)

A NURSE has been struck off after a patient died from downing a bottle of washing up liquid at a care home.

Lorraine Stevens, 61, didn’t raise the alarm when the man drank from the bottle – but instead made him drink several glasses of water to dilute it.

The patient was vomiting and frothing at the mouth, but Stevens waited nearly three hours to tell anyone else that he was unwell.

And when she did finally speak to her manager Stevens failed to mention how long he had been ill for, the misconduct hearing was told.

The disabled man – referred to only as Patient A – died the next morning.

Case presenter Gregory Wedge said: “Patient A reached through an open kitchen window and grabbed a bottle of washing up liquid, from which he drank an unknown quantity.

“The washing up liquid was promptly taken away from him and it is alleged that he was given glasses of water to drink.

“About 15 minutes after the incident, Patient A allegedly began coughing, vomiting and there was some foam at his mouth. He was given more water and continued to cough and vomit for 30 to 40 minutes.”

Mr Wedge said Stevens was the only qualified nurse at Begelly Bungalow in Begelly, Pembrokeshire, which housed four people with learning disabilities.

Patient A, who had been at the managed bungalow for just four months before his death, suffered brain damage at birth and had a history of trying to drink dangerous liquids.

But Stevens didn’t raise the alarm for two-and-a-half hours after he drank from the washing up bottle, and when she eventually did still failed to tell her manager the incident had happened hours beforehand.

The man collapsed at the bungalow around 8pm, some ten hours after consuming the liquid, and died in hospital early the following morning on July 13, 2013.

The Nurses and Midwifery Council also was told Stevens later mocked up risk assessment form for Patient A on the day his family came to collect his belongings.

The form said kitchen cupboards should be locked at the bungalow – but she didn’t point out it was written after his death.

Mr Wedge said Stevens had acted “dishonestly”.

He said: “She should have admitted that there was no risk assessment in place, rather than falsifying clinical documents in an attempt to create the impression that there had been one.”

Dyfed Powys Police investigated Stevens in connection with the man’s death, but no charges were ever brought to her or employers Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Panel chair Monica French told the hearing in Cardiff that Stevens’ actions “increased the risk of harm” to her patient.

She also said Stevens’ decision to leave her shift early on the day, leaving the “deteriorating” man to be cared for by staff without medical training, placed him at “an unwarranted risk of harm.”

Miss French said: “Stevens failed to ensure that Patient A was safe and to provide him with the high standard of care expected of her as a registered nurse.

“In addition, her dishonest actions in respect of the risk assessment were inconsistent with her obligations as a registered nurse.

“There was no evidence before the panel that Stevens had any insight or remorse into the potential gravity of her actions and omissions or their impact.”

Stevens, from Pembroke Dock, was given a struck off the nurses register, and will not be able to reapply for five years.

Speaking at her home, she said: “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

11 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.