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£7.5m renal unit used as meeting room.

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renalTHE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD can reveal this week that serious concerns have been raised at flagship projects at Withybush Hospital. 

The newly built Renal unit, funded by a £7.5m grant and scheduled to open earlier this year, is currently being used as a conference centre. A spokesperson for the Local Health Board, which built the unit under a commission from The Welsh Renal Network, told the Herald: “The new renal unit is a major investment at Withybush Hospital and contains all the latest technology expected in a modern renal dialysis unit. We are actively working with the Welsh Renal Network to ensure a provider is appointed and renal patients can benefit from these facilities as soon as possible.” The Board announced in April that negotiations with The Welsh Renal Network, responsible for appointing renal service providers, were in final stages with the contract award expected by the end of May 2014. The Pembrokeshire Herald has been assured by a member of the Renal unit’s project board that the unit will open, but a date has not been given. There is also considerable disquiet that the Board intends to salami-slice cancer services away from Withybush to Carmarthen, an impression given some impetus by the Board’s failure to appoint a replacement for Dr Anne Barnes MBE. The Pembrokeshire Herald can report that the Health Board failed to advertise for a replacement for Doctor Barnes until very recently, despite knowing of her intention to leave in January. We also understand that other clinical staff have declined to “fill the gap” left by her departure, leaving the future of cancer care at Withybush under question. Peter Milewski, retired consultant surgeon, told the Herald: “Health Board middle management are only just beginning to get a sense of urgency about the situation despite the long notice they’ve had. So it sounds as though a process of muddling through is just beginning to gather momentum, hopefully maintaining the service as it is. “It’s absolutely typical of the wretched health board to drag their feet while services and waiting times get worse and worse. Apparently there is someone interesting in starting in September, but what will happen between now and then is anyone’s guess.” Lyn Neville, who works for Pembrokeshire Cancer Support, said: “They have done this before when the last consultant left and it’s left them in a hole. They’ve just handed the job to Anne and told her to get on with it. “I had a letter to say that Hywel Dda is experiencing extreme recruitment difficulties. They don’t make the vacancies particularly attractive and threats to services aren’t helping attract people to the county either. They’ve set up an Oncology review group which won’t report until the end of the year, even though Anne is leaving in July. Who is going to cover Oncology when she goes? “There are just two consultants for nearly 250,000 people; they’re in a really big hole. People are genuinely fearful about what is going to happen when Anne leaves and the Health Board has done nothing to ease those fears”. Considerable anger has been caused by the discovery that funds donated for specific health care projects in Pembrokeshire have been diverted to a consolidated central fund. It seems that the generosity of Pembrokeshire charities is being used to fund developments in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in what is arguably a considerable breach of trust and confidence between the Board and local health care charities. It has been suggested by staff at Withybush that the new dialysis unit could be shared with the longpromised Cancer Day unit, which shows no sign of being planned other on a very vague basis and without firm commitment from the Board to its provision. The Herald understands that one charity is investigating its legal options in respect of money it has handed over to the Board towards the cost of providing a Cancer Day unit at Withybush Hospital. A spokesperson for the Health Board told us: “The university health board is totally committed to providing chemotherapy for patients in Pembrokeshire. We are currently undertaking a review of Oncology Services which about strengthening and modernising local services providing high quality, safe, effective treatment and care as close to patient’s home as possible. The CHC is participating in this review. “This process is not about reducing the service we offer but is about creating a more sustainable, high quality service. This may mean the way we deliver cancer services may change.” Paul Davies, AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: “I have grown increasingly frustrated and angry with the delay in the opening of the new Renal unit at Withybush Hospital. To have a new building that appears to have been completed some time ago unused is a huge waste. “A number of constituents have contacted me to voice their concerns regarding this as understandably patients are very keen to use this new facility. “Pembrokeshire patients have in some cases had to continue to travel to Carmarthen for treatment, sometimes literally passing the new building that is lying idle. “I have raised this delay in the Senedd with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark Drakeford AM. “I have also contacted the Welsh Renal Clinical Network who are managing this scheme. Whilst I understand that the contract to build the unit is complex and includes work at Glangwili and Bronglais Hospitals, I question whether more could and should have been done to allow the new unit at Withybush Hospital to open far sooner.”

 

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Business

Crug Glas offers exclusive wedding luxury in the heart of Pembrokeshire

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Private country house venue near St Davids combines elegant celebrations, fine dining and countryside stays

TUCKED away in the Pembrokeshire countryside just a short drive from St Davids, Crug Glas Country House has built a reputation as one of the area’s most exclusive wedding and events venues.

Set among peaceful rural surroundings and restored historic buildings, the venue offers couples and guests a private country house experience where they can celebrate, stay, dine and unwind in stylish surroundings.

Crug Glas is particularly well known for its exclusive-use weddings, giving couples the chance to enjoy the venue as their own for the day. From smaller, intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations, the setting offers flexibility as well as privacy, allowing each wedding to be tailored to suit the couple’s vision.

With elegant interiors, attractive outdoor spaces and dedicated areas for both ceremonies and receptions, the venue is designed to provide a smooth and relaxed flow throughout the day.

Food is also a major part of the Crug Glas experience. The kitchen focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with menus designed to feel refined while still personal to each event. From wedding breakfasts and private dinners to other celebrations, the dining experience is regularly praised by guests as one of the highlights of the venue.

Crug Glas also hosts Sunday lunches on the last Sunday of every month, offering another chance for visitors to enjoy the setting and its food in a more informal way.

For those staying overnight, the country house offers individually styled rooms combining comfort with character. The accommodation is aimed at giving guests a luxurious but welcoming place to relax, whether they are part of a wedding party, attending a private event, or simply enjoying a countryside break.

While weddings remain at the heart of Crug Glas, the venue is also used for private parties, retreats, workshops and group gatherings. Its adaptable layout and attentive service make it suitable for a wide range of events, while maintaining the same sense of quality and exclusivity.

Guests frequently praise the venue for its peaceful location, high standard of food, beautiful rooms and friendly team, with many describing their stay or event as memorable and seamless from start to finish.

Located in the heart of Pembrokeshire but within easy reach of local towns and coastal attractions, Crug Glas offers a combination of privacy, comfort and understated luxury that continues to make it a popular choice for special occasions.

For wedding bookings, private events and accommodation enquiries, contact Crug Glas Country House directly.

 

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News

MP says Access to Work delays are becoming barrier to employment

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David Chadwick warns disabled people and small businesses are being let down by growing backlogs, long waits and reduced confidence in the system

BRECON, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick has criticised serious delays in the Government’s Access to Work scheme, warning that it is becoming a barrier to employment for disabled people rather than a route into work.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate, the Welsh Liberal Democrat MP said the scheme, which is designed to help disabled people remain in or return to employment, is no longer delivering the support people need when they need it.

Access to Work provides assistance such as specialist equipment, support workers and workplace adaptations, and currently supports more than 74,000 disabled people. It has been widely regarded as good value for money, with studies suggesting it generates £1.48 for every £1 spent.

But demand for the scheme has risen sharply, with waiting lists now standing at around 66,000 people. Applicants are reportedly facing delays of up to 37 weeks for decisions, while some self-employed people have been left waiting for more than a year.

Mr Chadwick, who has previously spoken publicly about being paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome, told MPs that he understood first-hand how important practical support can be in helping someone regain their independence and return to work.

He said the current problems with the scheme were having serious real-world consequences, with some people forced to turn down job offers, others struggling to stay in work, and small businesses left uncertain over whether support would be approved.

Concerns were also raised during the debate over the way the scheme operates in practice. These included reports of applicants being made to reapply from scratch even when their circumstances had not changed, lengthy reconsideration processes, and difficulties getting hold of caseworkers.

The debate also heard concerns that applicants in Wales could be unfairly affected by funding decisions, with lower average wages potentially being used to justify lower levels of support.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to cut waiting times, clear the backlog and restore confidence in the scheme.

David Chadwick said: “When I was paralysed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, I know first-hand how frightening it is to wonder if you will ever be able to work again. For many disabled people today, that fear is being made worse by a system that is supposed to support them.

“Access to Work should be a gateway into employment, but right now it is becoming a barrier. People who are ready and willing to work are being let down by delays, bureaucracy and a lack of clarity.

“The consequences are serious. People are losing job opportunities, businesses are losing talented staff, and more individuals are being pushed out of the workforce altogether.

“We should be strengthening this scheme, not allowing it to fall behind. That means urgently tackling the backlog, speeding up decisions and making sure support reflects the real cost of what people need.

“If the Government is serious about getting more disabled people into work, it must fix Access to Work and make it fit for purpose again.”

If you want, I can also turn this into a more balanced Herald version with a DWP response line added and a bit more background.

 

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Entertainment

Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch

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Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.

Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.

Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.

The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.

Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

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