News

Withybush: Staff shortages mean no return to a full paediatric service

Published

9 years ago

July 31, 2017

HYWEL DDA University Health Board has taken a decision to continue with reduced hours for paediatric services at a Pembrokeshire Hospital, The Herald can confirm.

In the face of a failure to recruit the additional staff required, members of Hywel Dda University Health Board have agreed (Jul 21) to carry on opening for 10am – 6pm, seven days a week, with no sign of a return to the former 12 hour service.

Dr Philip Kloer, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Strategy at Hywel Dda UHB said: “Since November 2016, the Health Board has continued its efforts to attract and recruit suitably qualified staff to join the paediatric medical team, including the launch of a targeted paediatric recruitment strategy in February 2017

“Regrettably to date, this has not generated recruitment of a sufficient number of consultants to support the re-establishment of the 12 hour, seven days per week PACU service and the Board agreed to continue the current 10am – 6pm, seven days per week service whilst recruitment attempts continue.

“The current service arrangements are closely monitored and the impact on children and families who need to access paediatric care at Glangwili Hospital remains in line with projections considered by the Board in November 2016.”

Neil Hamilton, UKIP Group Leader in the Assembly and AM for Mid & West Wales has expressed his dismay at the situation.

In April, Mr Hamilton urged the Welsh Government to restore a full 24 hour paediatric service and was told by the First Minister that the health board was working hard to resolve the matter and hoped to reinstate a 12 hour service as soon as possible.

Mr Hamilton said: “I am extremely disappointed with this news as the reduction in hours was initially introduced as a temporary measure in December 2016 because of the reduced availability of consultant paediatricians.

“It is very worrying that despite several recruitment campaigns we are still not attracting suitably qualified staff to fill our vacancies here in Wales.

“Wales is a beautiful part of the world and a great place to live and work but there must be a reason why people are not applying for these NHS posts. We obviously need to do more to attract suitably qualified people.

“I shall be writing to the Health Minister to express my disappointment over the continuation of the reduced hours at Withybush Hospital and demanding answers.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

3 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.