News
Community mental health physiotherapy services to be axed

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD understands that community mental health physiotherapy services in Pembrokeshire are to be withdrawn by Hywel Dda University Health Board, without any form of consultation.
The professionals affected have no guarantee of employment with extremely short notice, we have been told.
This stealth cut to what is described by end users as an ‘essential service’ comes just two weeks before the health board’s consultation process on the location of hospitals and A&E services in west Wales comes to a close.
The doomed service provides a physiotherapy and exercise service to any adult with mental health problems who is unable to access mainstream services independently. The multi-skilled team aims to promote wellbeing and independence, and to free up hospital time.
Our reliable source for this story, who has asked not to be identified, told this newspaper: “This is obviously a shocking decision that will have a direct impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I have personal experience with these services, as they helped my late mother lead a full and independent life in her own home.
“There were numerous occasions where various consultants with little experience of mental health issues were recommending she be put into a care home or mental health unit, but it was thanks to the support and intervention of the wonderful mental heath physio team that she was able to carry on living independently, freeing up valuable space for those in greater need.
“Patients with dementia, anxiety issues and other mental health conditions are now going to be left stranded, unable to be access the vital physiotherapy they need to improve their overall physical health and well-being.
“Due to the uncertainty surrounding the continuation of these posts, doctors are already unable to refer people to mental health units from wards to get the treatment they need, and speed their passage home, instead they are taking up valuable bed space.
Our source went on to tell us that this was a “disgraceful decision”, and asked The Herald to “expose the lack of consultation, and highlight that once again they are cutting costs at the expense of patient care.”
News
Tragedy above Milford Haven takeaway

DYFED POWYS POLICE has confirmed that a 20-year-old male passed away in Milford Haven last Saturday, April 17.
Police were called to the USA Fried Chicken store on Charles Street at around 1:30pm but have said there are no suspicious circumstances.
A Herald reporter was at the scene and witnessed a number of police cars and an ambulance while plain-clothed officers were also seen.
HM Coroner has been informed.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called to Charles Street in Milford Haven on Saturday 17 April at approximately 1.34pm to reports of a medical emergency. We attended the scene with one emergency ambulance where we assisted colleagues from the police.”
Health
Tavernspite School the ‘healthiest of schools despite the pandemic’

THE STAFF, governors, parents, and of course, the children of Tavernspite Community Primary School are delighted to gain the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes National Quality Award for an incredible 5th time after a recent and very rigorous assessment.
The school is already well known and highly regarded for its outstanding work in developing the health and wellbeing of all members of its school community. To achieve this prestigious recognition in the midst of a pandemic is all the more impressive.
Health and Wellbeing at the school is led by teacher, Lauren Arthur, who has done an incredible job preparing for this re-assessment and raising the profile of the Healthy Schools scheme.
The assessor Mrs Lynne Perry, enjoyed a virtual tour and presentation by Year 3 pupils who took great pleasure in proudly showing Mrs Perry all the wonderful work the school has done to ensure its children are safe, happy with high levels of emotional and physical wellbeing.
In her report, Mrs Perry wrote, ‘Tavernspite School continues to be an outstanding health promoting school. The health promoting school ethos is evident across the whole school population and it runs seamlessly throughout everything that the school does. Tavernspite School continues to give high priority to promoting and enhancing the health and well-being of the whole school community.’
The school received fantastic support from Mrs Liz Western, Senior Public Health Officer and Lead for Healthy Schools and Pre-schools, Pembrokeshire, to whom they are very grateful.
Head teacher Kevin Phelps said, ‘We were delighted to receive this award for the fifth time, particularly considering the experiences we have all been through these past twelve months. Health and wellbeing has never been so important and we are proud to be leading the way like this.’
News
Joinery learner through to Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year Finals

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE joinery learner, Conor Ratcliff has made it through to the final ten in this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year competition.
Now in its seventh year, the competition celebrates the next generation of tradespeople as they start out on their career. With over 2,500 nominations, Conor was shortlisted to the top 30 where he had to deliver a video presentation to industry-leading judges and trade body representatives. Judged on professionalism, creativity, innovation, enthusiasm and knowledge of their trade, Conor impressed the judges and is now in the final 10.
Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital director, commented: “Every year we are amazed by the outstanding quality of entrants and, this year, we are on the lookout for apprentices who go above and beyond to succeed within their chosen trade.
“We’ve seen how this career-boosting accolade and £10,000 prize bundle helps kickstart an apprentice’s career. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”
The prize package includes everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology. The college where they study will also receive £2,000.
Conor is thrilled to have made it through to the finals and commented: “I am extremely honoured to have made it this far in the competition and I am very excited for the final event. It would be an amazing opportunity for me, if I won this competition.
“I hope it encourages more people to consider an apprenticeship in a trade, the Carpentry and Joinery department have been incredibly supportive during my studies.”
The Final is due to take place imminently where the judges will conduct an online interview with the ten finalists before selecting and announcing their overall winner.
-
News2 days ago
Police confirm they are investigating fatal house fire in Haverfordwest
-
News3 days ago
Multi-agency response to house fire in Siskin Close, Haverfordwest
-
News7 days ago
Primary school teacher would ‘moan’ as he touched female pupils, court hears
-
News4 days ago
Tenby left ‘strewn with rubbish and smelling of urine’ after hundreds party
-
News1 day ago
Milford Haven man admits string of sexual assaults at Crown Court
-
News3 days ago
Press gagging order granted in James Oulton case by Crown Court judge
-
News4 hours ago
Tragedy above Milford Haven takeaway
-
News1 day ago
Pembroke Dock: Trial date set in historical rape case