News

No children’s hospital services for Pembrokeshire this weekend

Published

6 years ago

November 9, 2018

THE PAEDIATRIC Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital will not open this weekend, due to a lack of staff.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has said that parents should call 999 in an emergency, ask 111 for advice in non emergency situations.

In a statement the Board told The Herald: “Regrettably, due to sickness and despite all efforts to find replacement cover (including seeking agency support), we do not have the consultant grade doctor necessary to safely keep the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital open this weekend. Other dedicated paediatric clinical staff (middle-grade doctor and paediatric nurses) will support Withybush Emergency and Urgent Care Centre, which will provide minor injury care to children during the weekend as usual. As is the case overnight, children requiring hospital care from paediatric specialist staff will be transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

“In an emergency, parents and carers should dial 999 as usual, if it is not an emergency but you are unsure about the treatment or service your child needs, you can call 111 for advice, support and signposting to the best service.

“The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust will also convey children to the most appropriate hospital to meet their needs as part of established contingency measures.

“Withybush PACU will re-open on Monday 10am-6pm as usual to provide tests, treatments and care for local children. We are committed to providing a PACU service from Withybush Hospital but so far have been unable to recruit enough paediatric medical staff to resume the 12-hour opening times. We continue to work with our doctors, other clinical staff, recruitment specialists, and the CHC to try and address our challenges and recruit into these vacant posts.

“We believe providing paediatric hospital services from a new hospital between St Clears and Narberth, alongside strengthened community services and local hospital support, offers the best and most equitable solution for our families across the south of our area. This would also bring overnight paediatric services closer to our Pembrokeshire communities.

“We will work with local people as well as our staff and other people who provide care and support to develop this new service model, whilst maintaining the best services possible in the interim period.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!