News

Councillor calls for health board to be placed into special measures

Published

6 years ago

November 22, 2018

A COUNTY COUNCILLOR has moved for a notice of motion at the next full council meeting that the local health board should be put into special measures.

Cllr Paul Dowson wants Pembrokeshire County Council to formally recommend to the Health Minister of the Welsh Government that he puts Hywel Dda University Health Board into special measures.

In serious cases where hospitals are not providing good and safe care to patients and the management cannot fix the problems by themselves, action is taken to improve the hospitals. The term used for this is ‘special measures’.

Special measures are a number of actions health sector regulators can take to turn around hospitals.

They do this when a hospital isn’t providing the quality of care patients need or deserve, and where there is concern that the existing management cannot fix the problems on their own.

The regulators decide which of the special measures actions to use on a case by case basis.

His calls for the health board to be put into special measures comes as figures were released this week showing that Hywel Dda University Health Board have missed three out of four performance targets – although they are not the worst in Wales.

The health board missed their A&E waiting time target, which says a patient should be admitted or treated within four hours of arrival, with a rating of 83.4%, compared to the target of 95%. The Welsh average was 80.3%, and it was ranked fourth out of the seven Welsh boards. It last hit the target in June 2013.

It also missed the target for patients starting cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral, with a performance of 90.9% compared to the 95% target. Wales’ average was 87%, and it placed second out of Wales’ health boards. It last hit the target in May of this year.

The health board also missed the mark for patients waiting less than 26 weeks for planned operations and care, with a score of 84.9% compared to the 95% target. Wales’ average was 87.6%, placing Hywel Dda sixth out of the seven Welsh health boards. It hasn’t hit this target in the last five years.

The only target the health board hit was for patients starting mental health therapy within 28 days of referral, beating the target of 80% with a score of 88.9%. The Welsh average was 82.4%, with Hywel Dda ranking second out of the seven Welsh health boards. It hit the target in June 2018.

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

9 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

9 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

16 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”