News

Charity calls for improved endoscopy services

Published

10 years ago

June 4, 2014

BOWEL CANCER UK, the charity determined to save lives by promoting early diagnosis and address inequalities in treatment and care, has released a report calling for improved endoscopy services in Wales for urgent testing of patients with suspected cancer. Nearly 16,000 men and women die of bowel cancer every year in the UK, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. In Wales, there were 2,354 new cases of bowel cancer in 2010 (most recent figures available, according to Cancer Research UK). The report, entitled ‘Diagnosing bowel cancer early: right test, right time’ highlights serious problems with endoscopy services in the UK, with referral criteria, waiting times and quality of services being the key issues. A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are the key diagnostic tests for bowel cancer. This new research from Bowel Cancer UK highlights delays in referral for diagnostic testing caused by overlyprescriptive guidelines; a lack of investment in endoscopy capacity by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which will fail to meet e demand and inconsistencies in the type of diagnostic test and quality of test available to patients in different parts of the UK. The current national guidelines for GPs on referral of urgent suspected cancer are restricted to those with ‘alarm’ or ‘high risk’ symptoms, such as rectal bleeding. Yet only half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer present with the ‘high risk’ symptoms that would qualify for an urgent referral. From the 708 responses from a national survey conducted in September 2013 among people with bowel cancer who had had an endoscopy, the Bowel Cancer UK report found that one in three people who had had an endoscopy had seen their GP more than three times before their referral. Of these, nearly half had a tumour detected. GPs can recommend patients have these tests with either a nonurgent or urgent referral. While the demand for endoscopies such as these is increasing, due to an ageing population and roll-out of screening programmes, the report forecasts a potential crisis as even more endoscopies are increasingly vital. Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, ‘We are calling for GP guidelines to be liberalised so that GPs can use their judgement and refer patients even when their symptoms do not point directly to bowel cancer. It’s a tragedy that more people are not referred for endoscopy sooner. After all, early diagnosis saves lives.’

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

15 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

15 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

16 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.