News

Oncology cancer services in crisis

Published

11 years ago

May 30, 2014

MANY PEOPLE have used the cancer services at Withybush Hospital over the years and have got used to the “glue” which sticks it together, namely Dr Anne Barnes MBE.

Not many people are aware that she has decided to leave in July of this year. Dr Barnes is a true professional and when questioned is not one to complain, but when reading between the lines it is obvious that Dr Barnes has reached the end of her tether. A total lack of support from the Hywel Dda Health Board has left Dr Barnes close to exhaustion and burn out. Many cancer patients will be aware she rarely takes leave, gets in early and leaves late, comes in to work on days off etc. Yet Dr Barnes is treated with contempt by the ‘powers that be’ because they know she will not let her patients down and they take advantage of her goodwill. In short, the health board is aware that she will go the extra mile and are happy to take advantage of this. She has been working alone in Ward 10 for far too long and when the palliative care consultant left it was just expected that she would take up the slack and do that job as well. A job advertisment for a consultant was drawn up, agreed and then left unadvertised so that the time limit lapsed. I am informed that a new advert was sent for approval at regional level, and after nearly two years without a consultant, has just been advertised. On April 6 I received a letter from the vice-chair of Hywel Dda Health Board, Mrs Sian-Marie James after I asked her what happens when Dr Barnes leaves? The letter said: “Whilst it is not possible for us to discuss with you the detailed personal arrangements affecting members of staff, I do know that Dr Barnes has been very open regarding her intention to retire this year. Because of this, and other challenges affecting our oncology service, we have therefore set up a review group to look at the best service model for the future. We face serious recruitment challenges. At present, we have visiting consultants from Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board who are working significantly above normal capacity and we are unable to offer appropriate sub-specialisation opportunities for existing consultants. There are also other issues, including capacity problems related to pharmacy services.” It has now come to light that one of the visiting consultants mentioned above, Dr Maung Moe, is also leaving his position which leaves us in an even bigger hole. The letter went on to say: “Dr Barnes is a key member of this review group, which includes membership from the Hywel Dda Community Health Council, as well as public health professionals and clinicians from ABMU Health Board. The future arrangements for supporting oncology services at Withybush Hospital will therefore depend on the output from this group.” From the outset, it was agreed that any developments proposed by this project group would be in line with the Calman-Hine principles, in particular that ‘care should be provided as close to patient’s home as is compatible with high quality, safe and effective treatment’. The areas the review group will focus on include: • Staffing issues: including inequity of staffing provision across the three counties, review of job plans, improved ways of working alongside current capacity issues; • Aseptic unit provision: issues being experienced around activity, patient waiting times and staffing pressures; • Information management: ensuring activity is consistently monitored; • Cross border working arrangements: maximising the way Hywel Dda works with its partners; • Transport issues: service pressure for those travelling to Singleton for radiotherapy, ensuring safe transfer of patients back from Cardiff (for those having pet scans or nuclear medicine); • Development of an acute oncology service/developing a new service model: updating services, consideration of patient pathways, shared post opportunities, repatriation issues, etc. I know this group was not set up because Dr Barnes announced that she was leaving. This group was announced before Dr Barnes informed them that she was going, and now visiting consultant Dr Moe is going as well. The group was set up because the Hywel Dda Health Board knows that they have let things slide and now we face a crisis with the delivery of services for cancer patients at Withybush Hospital. Some Cancer Patients are already facing journeys to Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli to see Consultants they would recently have seen locally. The wig service at Withybush Hospital for chemotherapy patients was removed and the contract given to a local hair salon. As a private company this obviously made the cost much more expensive for patients. After a fight this service was reinstated at Withybush Hospital, but not sure for how long as an all-Wales Review is taking place into this service. If you have concerns about cancer services or any other services at Withybush Hospital I urge you to contact your MP, your assembly member, local councillor, the community health council, Hywel Dda Health Board.

Charity

Sue Ryder calls on public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATIONAL palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is urging the public to support its end-of-life care and grief services by donating unwanted Christmas gifts.

Whether it’s a scarf that’s not your colour, a gadget you don’t need, or a novelty item gathering dust, Sue Ryder hopes people will consider donating these items to their local charity shop.

Not only will this help declutter homes after the festive season, but it will also ensure those facing bereavement or a terminal illness in the New Year can access vital support.

To donate, people can drop goods off at their nearest Sue Ryder shop. For larger items such as furniture, free collections can be arranged through the charity’s website.

Sue Ryder operates almost 400 shops across the UK in high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with proceeds funding hospices, palliative care hubs, and bereavement services.

Anthony Barlow, Senior Regional Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for exchanging gifts, but the reality is that many of us end up with items we don’t need. If you’re still in the gift-giving spirit and want to declutter, you can regift unwanted presents to Sue Ryder.

“By donating, you’ll not only help the environment but also support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—all while creating space for a fresh start in 2025.

“This New Year, we’re welcoming quality clothes, household goods, electricals, books, toys, accessories, and collectibles.”

Donations can be made at local Sue Ryder shops or via sueryder.org/shop.

Crime

Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.

The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.

Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.

Charity

Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim

Published

22 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING number of 1,150 festive bathers have had a splashing time in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim this morning.

The fancy dress theme of Superheroes – in tribute to the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year – saw Batman, The Incredibles, Wonderwoman and a whole crew of emergency services dashing into the chilly water of Tenby’s North Beach.

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there amongst the huge crowds to cheer the brave bathers on their way.
The swim will be one to remember forever for one duo of dippers as they got engaged following a surprise proposal on the sand.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Philip Frith, 34, made one of his best-ever moves when he popped the question to his girlfriend, former professional dancer Victoria Tansey, 34, who is originally from Hakin.

Said swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: “”Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
The swim has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history, and this yeae’s event will see Tenby RNLI as the main beneficiary.

Town mayor Dai Morgan said: ”It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause. I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”
The mayor’s daughter, 18-year-old Erin Morgan, who is Tenby’s town crier, gave a special ‘cry’ to welcome the swim.

Swim chairman Sam supervised 10-year-old Sam Fecci as he fired the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, Stuart, who was not well enough to attend.

Festive tunes and a lively commentary from DJ Steve Briers ramped up the atmosphere on the beach and swimmers emerged from the sea to be presented with commemorative medals and warm up with hot soup donated by the Giltar Hotel and served up by Tenby and District Lions.

‘Taking the plunge’ at a festive swim in Wales this morning meant more than just a dip in the sea for one happy couple.

As hundreds of Boxing Day bathers at the legendary event in Tenby dashed for the water, a magical moment was happening between Victoria Tansey and Philip Frith.
Philip, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria, 37, to marry him.

Fortunately, she said an ecstatic ‘yes’ to the carefully-planned proposal, which saw the couple’s special song Ocean Eyes y Billie Eilish sound out over the beach as the newly-engaged couple celebrated with a splash in the sea.

As a former Royal Marine Philip – who is now a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach – has faced some scary situations in his life but the Boxing Day proposal was up there with the most nail-biting.
“I’ve been so nervous/special moment.

Victoria, originally from Hakin, Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, worked as a professional dancer – appearing on the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Pineapple Dance Studio: Survival of the Fittest -and before setting up her own entertainment agency.

Although now living in Guildford with Philip, she has always loved returning to her Pembrokeshire roots

“When we first met, Victoria couldn’t wait to show me all around Pembrokeshire and we have made the trip as often as work would allow us, to visit her family, go beach hopping and take in the breathtaking scenery,” said Philip.

“I absolutely love sea swimming, I believe that it is so worthwhile for your body and mind, however Victoria has never been one to enjoy the cold!

“So, on our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship!

“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”

Victoria’s mum and her childhood best friend , Sean Griffiths – who she set up Milford Haven’s Unison Dance Group with in 2004 –were on the beach to watch the proposal, with Sean bringing along the engagement ring in his pocket to fellow swimmers crowded round to congratulate Victoria and Philip, and swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall laughed: “Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.

Images: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby