News

Coronary Care Unit and Surgery Ward improvements underway at Withybush Hospital

Published

6 years ago

February 16, 2019

A SERIES of improvements to the hospital environment have commenced at Withybush Hospital, the Health Board has announced.

Building works to improve facilities on the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and on Ward 3 (surgery) at the Haverfordwest hospital are planned to take place during spring 2019. This will require CCU to temporarily move into the newly refurbished Ward 9. Admissions to Ward 3 will not be affected.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has announced that the work on CCU will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete and the necessary improvements will provide a dedicated medicines management area, additional toilet facilities and storage, meeting required Health Inspectorate Wales standards.

On Ward 3, work will include the creation of a reception area and dedicated surgical counselling and stoma care rooms.

Following completion of the Coronary Care Unit works, the Ward 9 area will then serve as a decant facility for the Ward 10 development whilst that refurbishment is underway. The Ward 10 building works will commence in April 2019 with the new Ward 10 area scheduled to open in late 2019.

Janice Cole-Williams, General Manager at Withybush Hospital said: “To enable these necessary works to take place, the Coronary Care Unit will be temporarily relocated the newly refurbished Ward 9 area.

“I wish to reassure people that disruption will be kept to a minimum and local arrangements are being made to ensure patients and visitors are informed of how and when these temporary changes may affect them.”

“We’re delighted that work has started to improve facilities for patients and staff and the hospital will benefit greatly as a result of these enhancements.

“We apologise for any inconvenience people may experience during this time and thank you for your co-operation.”

At a recent meeting of the Ward 10 Stakeholder Group, mood boards were presented to the group featuring ideas for wall coverings and furnishings. The boards will be placed on the ward for staff to share their thoughts and ideas on aspects of the project such colour schemes and equipment.

The group were delighted to hear that one of the ward’s fundraisers, Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal, has reached a monumental £186,000 for the people of Pembrokeshire. Mr and Mrs Neville and their daughter Elly were thanked by the group for their continued support and involvement in the scheme.

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”