News

No children’s hospital services for Pembrokeshire this weekend

Published

7 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.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.