News
Assembly Members discuss operation cancellations with Health Board Chief Executive

THE TWO Pembrokeshire Welsh Conservative Assembly Members Paul Davies AM and Angela Burns AM used a phone call with Hywel Dda University Health Board Chief Executive Steve Moore to raise their concerns over the three days of cancelled elective surgery operations throughout the Health Board Region.
The Health Board, which is in charge of running Hospitals in Haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Llanelli and Aberystwyth has been forced to cancel elective surgery in all their hospitals for each of the last three days, blaming “extraordinary pressures”.
Mrs Burns used the opportunity of questions to the First Minister on Tuesday and a Topical question to the Health Minister on Wednesday to call for action to be taken and measures to be put in place to minimise disruption, further delays to procedures and similar events taking place again in the future.
Following the call, Mr Davies said: “We were grateful for the opportunity to raise the issues surrounding the cancelled operations with Mr Moore. We received some details surrounding the events that led to the decision being taken and we took the opportunity to express our concern that matters had escalated to such an extent. The situation is clearly not acceptable and whilst we need to ensure that patient safety is not put at risk, serious questions need to be asked to how a similar situation can be prevented in the future. The people of Pembrokeshire deserve better.
Mrs Burns added: “It is extremely worrying we have reached this point yet again. The Health Board cite extraordinary pressures, but these pressures regularly occur at a similar point every year. The Health Board need to analyse the root causes of this event and the Welsh Government must provide them with the tools they need to ensure that better planning is in place to cover the eventualities that have arisen over the recent days. Patients in our constituencies, many of whom have already endured lengthy periods of time on waiting lists, had planned for their surgery but will now need to wait until pressures have been reduced. It is not good enough and change must occur immediately.”
Crime
Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.
Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.
Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.
During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.
The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.
In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.
Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.
Community
PCSOs and pupils join forces for Pembroke Dock litter pick

DYFED-POWYS POLICE Community Support Officers (PCSOs) 8042 and 8020 joined staff at McDonald’s and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Cosheston VC School for a community litter pick around Pembroke Dock.
As part of the school’s ongoing environmental project, the pupils helped collect seven bags of rubbish while keeping a detailed log of the types of litter found.
PCSOs are uniformed civilian members of police staff who work to support regular police officers and engage with the community. Their involvement helped promote positive relationships between local police and young people.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of looking after the local environment and encouraged children to take pride in their community.
Members of the public are reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the bins provided.

Community
Joyce Watson meets apprentices at Haverfordwest transport hub

A VISIT to the site of the new Haverfordwest public transport interchange has highlighted the role of apprentices and skilled workers in delivering the major infrastructure project.
Joyce Watson MS, who represents Mid and West Wales in the Senedd, toured the construction site on Friday (Mar 21), meeting with workers and hearing how the scheme is creating opportunities for local people.
Mrs Watson, who chairs the Senedd cross-party group on construction and co-chairs the cross-party group on apprenticeships, was briefed on progress by Kier Construction’s project manager Dean Williams and Sheila Holmes, engagement adviser for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Speaking following the visit, Mrs Watson said: “The Haverfordwest public transport interchange will transform the town’s transportation infrastructure and boost the local economy.
“With around a year’s work still to go, it’s already offering high-quality job opportunities, and I was delighted to meet the talented apprentices working on-site.”
Among those she met was Matthew Thomas, a local trainee working on the project.
Mrs Watson added: “It was a pleasure to meet Matthew, and I believe he has a great future ahead of him.”
Dean Williams, from Kier Construction, said: “It was great to welcome Joyce Watson MS for a tour of our Haverfordwest public transport interchange project. This scheme for Pembrokeshire County Council will deliver a modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”
CITB’s Sheila Holmes added: “We are pleased to be supporting Kier Construction in developing their supply chain for this infrastructure scheme. By doing so, we can invest in local skills, which are vital to the sector and to the regional economy. Projects like this help ensure we meet future skills demands.”
The interchange is part of the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro programme and has so far received nearly £17 million from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.
Once completed, the new facility will include improved pedestrian and cycle access, a more efficient bus station with seven bays and upgraded passenger facilities, and a modern multi-storey car park.
The scheme is commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council as part of its town centre regeneration strategy.
The visit was organised as part of Open Doors, a national initiative by Build UK that takes visitors behind the scenes at live construction sites to showcase the range of careers in the industry.
-
Health24 hours ago
Pembrokeshire man’s shock diagnosis sparks call for awareness
-
News13 hours ago
Workman injured in Pembroke road roller incident
-
News20 hours ago
Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales
-
Business1 day ago
Overseas workers allowed to live in caravans at business
-
News2 days ago
Woman found guilty of threatening neighbour on Pembrokeshire housing estate
-
Business1 day ago
Haverfordwest school site could become motorcycle showroom
-
Top News2 days ago
Man sentenced for committing violent assaults on three family members
-
Top News2 days ago
GP accused of careless driving after head-on crash on A477