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Withybush Ward 10 plans approved

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PROPOSED plans to modernise the Ward 10 area at Withybush Hospital were supported at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s meeting ​last Thursday ​(​Sept 28​).

Board members approved the proposals to develop the existing Ward 10 area into a modern, purpose built, fit for the future inpatient facility designated to care for oncology, haematology patients along with those with complex palliative care needs.

The scheme is subject to Welsh Government funding and the Board has now formally approved the business justification case for submission to Welsh Government for its consideration.

The fully refurbished palliative care, haematology and oncology ward will provide five en-suite beds for neutropenic sepsis patients and those requiring isolation facilities. Two single bedded bays would also be provided to enable greater privacy during care. Smaller bays (2 x 4 bedded bays and 1 x 3 bedded bay) would run for oncology, haematology and complex palliative care patients. There will also be an improved overnight facility for relatives plus a dedicated day room.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Hospital Director at Withybush and County Director and Commissioner for Pembrokeshire​,​ said: “I’m delighted that we are now in a position to submit the business case to Welsh Government and, subject to the necessary approvals, we are hopeful that building works will start next year.”

As agreed by the Board in March, the former Ward 9 area will also be developed to serve as a ward area to allow Ward 10 patients to be cared for while the anticipated building works are carried out on the existing Ward 10, which will close for refurbishment. Developing both Ward 9 and Ward 10 areas consecutively will be more effective and is the best use of the anticipated funding and significant charitable funds raised by Pembrokeshire people.

Helen Johns, Senior Sister on Ward 10 added: “This is very positive news and is a major step in the right direction to improving the Ward 10 environment for our patients, their families and our staff.

“We also want to say thank you to the Pembrokeshire community and particularly to our local charities and fundraisers for their fantastic support over recent years.”

Whilst the majority of funding for the development is dependent on securing monies from the Welsh Government, over £423,000 has been raised so far by the health board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal.

£120,000 raised so far: Elly Neville and the Ward 10 Flag

Lyn Neville, Elly’s father, commented: “I’m so proud of Elly’s fundraising achievements. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, recently bringing the appeal to an amazing £120,000 to help provide support for cancer patients on Ward 10.

“We have just set in motion arrangements to purchase a bladder scanner, urine analysis machine and two sofa beds for the relatives’ room.”

The refurbishment of the Ward 10 area represents ‘phase 2’ of the health board’s commitment to improve cancer services in Pembrokeshire (‘phase 1’ being the new completed Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit) and is part of the health board’s wider plans to upgrade a range of dementia friendly facilities for patients at Withybush Hospital.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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