News

Ambulances backed up at Withybush, as A&E department swamped

Published

5 years ago

November 23, 2019

A 69-YEAR-OLD from Milford Haven who suffers from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) described by her daughter as being ‘unresponsive’ waited over two hours for an ambulance – despite it being urgently ordered by her GP on Tuesday (Nov 19)

Once finally at the hospital, the daughter said, the full scale of the crisis gripping Withybush’s A&E department became apparent – with her mum waiting five hours in an ambulance.

The daughter who does not want to be identified said: “According to a paramedic in the A&E car park, the hospital was so busy that every available ambulance in the Pembrokeshire area was waiting to unload patients, and the ambulance service was only able to respond to Code Red calls.
“One person, the paramedic said, had already passed away that day because he could not get help in time. The paramedic told me that he dreaded the start of each shift, thinking that it was going to be yet another 12 hours of hell.”
“We were well over five hours waiting to get into the hospital – at one point my mum was taken from the ambulance for a chest x-ray only to be returned back to the ambulance after coming back from radiology.
“Once we got into A&E it was utter chaos, people everywhere. I saw seven people or more being treated in communal areas – I saw patients being seen in the hallways to have IV cannulars taken out after bloods.

The woman’s partner confirmed her story, adding that he thought what was going on at the hospital was “unbelievable”.

But after the two hour wait for help, and the five hours in in the back of an ambulance, the worst was not over.

Nurses at that A&E got the patient mixed up with someone else.

Our source said: “My mum is on warfarin, so I found it strange that she had been put on a drip. I asked what was going on, and said my mum’s name and that’s when two nurses look at each other and realised that my mum wasn’t who they thought she was. This was just before they were about stick something in her through a drip.

“A bag was already hooked up… she had no arm band – as soon as they knew it was the wrong patient they took the bag off the drip stand.

“It was definitely a near miss.”

The Health Board has been asked for a comment.

Our report comes just months after the Community Health Council said that more must be done to reduce waiting times at Withybush A&E.
Community Health Council members carried out an unannounced visit over the summer.

A report to the Pembrokeshire locality CHC on August 7 showed an increase in the number of 12 hour breaches – with some staying overnight at the unit – at Withybush A&E since October 2017, with it topping 450 cases in February this year.

Speaking a few months back, Hospital manager Janice Cole-Williams added that there had been increases in the stays in hospital which impacted in the wait for beds from A&E and staff were looking for solutions.

Deputy chief officer of Pembrokeshire CHC Helen Williams said that the report due on the A&E visit, which is yet to be signed off by the executive members, would recommend opening the discharge lounge at the weekend and keeping ambulatory care open seven days a week.

Ms Williams said it would depend on funds and there may be resistance to working weekends but in the “21st Century things don’t shut at 7pm on a Friday night.
“My opinion, not the CHC’s, but I think it should be operational full on 24/7.”

Another recommendation was to improve communication with patients about the length of wait expected and why there may be delays.

“If you keep patients informed, they recognise that the people behind the scenes are busy, it’s the not knowing when they will be seen.”

Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has expressed his disappointment to The Herald that Hywel Dda University Health Board has failed to meet the Welsh Government’s A and E targets.

In October, he said, 81.1% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours in urgent care departments. The target to be seen within four hours is 95 percent.

Mr Davies said, “It’s extremely disappointing to see that a significant number of patients living within the Hywel Dda health board region are not being seen within a four hour window. Despite the efforts of our outstanding NHS staff, the management of the health board is presiding over a shortfall in the number of patients being seen within four hours. We must remember that those attending an accident and emergency department are there to receive care as soon as possible and any delays could have severe repercussions on that patient’s health. Therefore, efforts must be redoubled by the health board and the Welsh Government to turn these figures around as soon as possible.”

News

Joyce Watson MS announces decision not to seek reselection

Published

15 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.

News

Storm Herminia lashes the county of Pembrokeshire

Published

16 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

STORM HERMINIA has swept across Pembrokeshire unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall, prompting weather warnings across the region.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting all three counties over the next three days, extending until Tuesday. The warnings come shortly after Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread disruption with power outages, property damage, fallen trees, and road closures.

Storm Herminia named by Spain

Unlike its predecessor, Storm Herminia was not named by the UK Met Office but by the Spanish meteorological service, underscoring its broader European impact.

The storm hit early this morning, with gusts reaching between 50 and 60 mph, peaking at 70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These winds are forecast to persist until 5:00pm today. The Met Office has upgraded the impact level from low to medium, although the likelihood of severe consequences remains low.

Heavy rainfall to intensify risks

Alongside the strong winds, heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation. Torrential downpours are forecast from midday Sunday through to 11:59pm on Monday. Additional bursts of intense rain may occur overnight, with totals of 20–40 mm likely across most areas and up to 70 mm over higher ground. Localized flooding of homes and properties is anticipated.

There is also a small risk that some areas could see even higher accumulations of rainfall, depending on the extent of overnight downpours.

Prolonged disruption expected

Another bout of strong winds is predicted from 6:00am Monday through to 6:00am Tuesday, with gusts of up to 70 mph near coastal regions and 50 mph inland. The Met Office warns of potential disruption to transport networks, power supplies, and other essential services.

Residents are advised to secure loose items, monitor local updates, and take precautions as adverse weather conditions continue to impact the region.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

16 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)