News

Trade union says health board’s proposed changes are inadequate

Published

6 years ago

July 20, 2018

UNISON has released its formal submission to Hywel Dda’s consultation and said the lack of detail of how and when new health services will be operational, has set communities against each other as they fight to protect their local accident and emergency services.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says it is struggling to recruit specialist staff and that “no change is not an option.”

It launched a consultation process, giving a number of options, all of which included the closure of the A&E Department at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

The trade union cited the board’s failure to properly consult the staff trade unions before the proposals appeared in the press, as one of the reasons the public distrusts the plans.

UNISON also suggested people are sceptical about reorganisation because previous restructuring of A&E and maternity services at Hywel Dda has not proved sustainable.

Jeff Baker, UNISON regional organiser, told The Herald: “Anyone working in the NHS would like to bring care closer to the public and Hywel Dda’s plans of community hubs are promising and ambitious.

“To convince the people to get behind change of this scale however, you need detailed information which considers every eventuality of how patients will be treated in the new system. That work has not been done. The public have every right to press Hywel Dda on what their future access to emergency care will look like and the staff need answers too. The trade unions haven’t been given the opportunity to meet with the board during the consultation period.

Nadia Probert, UNISON branch secretary, said:“Our submission presents a series of scenarios asking how those in ill-health, young and old and those in remote areas, will be able to access treatment. The health board must be able to answer these comprehensively. People need to know how services will be coordinated, developed and funded and how healthcare demand is calculated. Without this information, UNISON can’t support the proposals.

“We need to hear from Welsh government too. It must fully-fund the proposed changes, help the board with strategic advice and also give additional funding to local government to allow for the prompt release of patients into the community.”

Donna Hutton, UNISON Cymru Wales head of health said:“Other health boards in south Wales are also evaluating future service provision and it is absolutely essential the proper work is done at Hywel Dda and the staff trade unions provided with all the information they are seeking.”

Last month UNISON brought together local politicians and health campaigners together in an action committee to campaign on common concerns on the restructuring proposals.

The Health Board said that over the last twelve weeks they have heard from thousands of people about their plans to radically overhaul healthcare services “to ensure that they are safe, sustainable, accessible and kind for current and future generations”.

A spokesman said: “Each proposal that we have consulted on has been tested by our clinicians and members of the public were asked to provide their feedback in a multitude of different ways, which will be independently analysed and considered before any formal proposal is put before the Health Board later this year.”

Hywel Dda’s Chief Executive, Steve Moore, told The Herald: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Our Big NHS Change. This has been the biggest and most important public consultation ever undertaken on the future of healthcare services in west Wales and we recognise the strength of feeling and passion our local communities have for our local NHS, so I’m glad that many residents took part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, talking with us at our public drop-in or stakeholder events, or by providing feedback through a number of other ways throughout the 12 week period.

“The conversation that you have been involved in has been critical in terms of helping to challenge and shape our way of thinking. All of the questionnaires and feedback received will now be independently analysed by an external organisation, Opinion Research Services (ORS). We will hold further discussions with our clinicians, staff and stakeholders to consider this feedback to enable our clinicians to put forward their recommendation to the Board in September. We appreciate that some people are concerned about potential changes in our local health and care services, and we wish to reassure people that we will continue to provide regular updates so that everyone is informed on latest developments.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.