News
Pressures on hospitals compared to ‘Third World Nation’
THE PRESSURE on healthcare in west Wales continues with the absence of out-of-hours GP care in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire last weekend, with Pembrokeshire County Councillor Michael Williams comparing the situation to that of a ‘Second or Third World Nation’.
The lack of out-of-hours care has become a reoccurring issue in recent weeks, with an apology from Hywel Dda University Health Board in March over a similar incident, where patients in Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital, Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital, Haverfordwest’s Withybush Hospital, as well as Llandysul, were left without GP care out-of-hours. The four centres were said to be dealing with an ‘acute GP shortage’.
At the time the Health Board came out and said that they are working to resolve the problem, with the Chief Executive Steve Moore saying on March 26: “We can continue to provide services that are safe and robust for our local communities. On behalf of the health board I would again like to apologise for any concern or inconvenience caused due to ongoing staffing issues in the out-of-hours GP service.”
Last weekend people were advised to attend minor injuries units if possible, yet the facility in Tenby was closed over the weekend, leaving the A&E of Withybush or Glangwili the only option for many, flooding an already stretched service.
Councillor Williams, of Plaid Cymru, had a six and a half hour wait at Withybush last Friday night (Apr 6), and speaking on Saturday (Apr 7), he told us: “I dread to think how they will cope on a Saturday night. Tenby surgery yesterday had no one available to see patients. One person’s response was ‘If there is nobody here why not close’. In North Eastern Romania, ten miles from Ukraine, two years ago we saw a GP immediately free of charge. Which is the Second World Nation?”
The thinly stretched resources and stress on healthcare in west Wales has led to the Health Board suggesting a number of options in shaking up the region’s healthcare, which serves 384,000 people.
A document was leaked in January, which detailed nine alternatives to the current service, with the closures of hospitals in seven of them. All of the options centred on a system of community hubs with beds, with five scenarios closing Withybush, and two keeping all present hospitals open but centralising urgent care on either Withybush or Glangwili.
One option suggests an entirely new, urgent and planned care hospital in an unspecified location to replace Withybush, Glangwili and the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, whilst none of the scenarios suggest closing Bronglais in Aberystwyth.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
-
News16 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News16 hours ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News15 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime7 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson