News

Drakeford sees ‘no useful purpose’ in SWAT meeting

Published

11 years ago

March 10, 2014

THE WELSH HEALTH MINISTER, Mark Drakeford AM has rejected calls from local MP Stephen Crabb to come to Pembrokeshire to meet with him and members of the Save Withybush Action Team (SWAT).

Earlier this month, Stephen Crabb wrote to Mark Drakeford urging him to meet with SWAT and other local people to reconsider the Welsh Government’s reckless decision to cut vital maternity services from Withybush Hospital.

In his response, Mark Drakeford said that he had already received a large number of representations from SWAT and that he felt ‘a direct meeting between us will serve no useful purpose’. He also commented that a meeting might be ‘difficult’ for him because a supporter of SWAT is seeking to instigate a judicial review into the matter.

Stephen had urged the Health Minister to meet with him to reconsider the evidence base used to make the decision, arguing that cutting vital services from a rural and geographically unique area such as Pembrokeshire would put lives at risk. In his reply the Health Minister refused to meet with Stephen, suggesting instead that questions regarding the specific details of the consultation would be better directed to the expert neonatologist on the Panel, who is based in London.

Speaking from Haverfordwest, Stephen said: “It’s appalling that the Welsh Health Minister sees ‘no useful purpose’ in meeting with the very people his reckless decision will affect. If the Prime Minister can make the time to visit Pembrokeshire to see the situation here after the storms then the Welsh Health Minister should be able to make the journey from Cardiff to Withybush.

“It also worries me that the Health Minister does not feel capable of answering my questions about the evidence base he used to make the decision to cut vital services from our local hospital. If he cannot answer these questions, how can he say that he has made a safe decision?

“I am also concerned that the chief neonatologist who is responsible for this decision is based in London. We have argued all along that while centralising services may work in towns and cities, it is simply dangerous in rural communities such as Pembrokeshire. Did the committee the Welsh Government relied on to make these decisions really understand what it is like to live in a remote area where geographic challenges make it difficult to get to the nearest hospital at the best of times?

“This response from Mark Drakeford makes me more concerned than ever that a grave mistake has been made without proper understanding of the consequences for local people. I will be writing to the chief neonatologist to arrange a meeting so that Pembrokeshire can finally get the answers it deserves.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.