News

Pembrokeshire needs a vaccination centre

Published

4 years ago

January 7, 2021

CALLS for a vaccination centre for Pembrokeshire will be discussed at a meeting between local government leaders and Hywel Dda UHB tomorrow (Friday, January 8).

The move follows increased calls for a dedicated vaccination facility to open in Pembrokeshire.

Both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire have vaccination centres, but Pembrokeshire residents needing a vaccination must attend either in Cardigan or Carmarthen to get their jabs.

The approval of the new Astra-Zenica/Oxford vaccine could prove a game-changer in the administration of vaccinations.

The Pfizer vaccine has particular and complex transportation, storage, and administration protocols and has a very short shelf life once a box of doses is opened. It is also unsuitable for administration to those who are allergic to penicillin.

The Oxford vaccine can be transported in normal refrigerated vehicles and stored far more easily in pharmaceutical fridges. Those allergic to penicillin will able to get inoculated by it.

More people in the Hywel Dda area will start to be called in for COVID-19 vaccinations due to recent news that the new Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Thus far, Hywel Dda University Health Board has been provided more than 7,000 first vaccine doses, using the Pfizer vaccine since its approval earlier in December last year.

This week, a small number of GP practices started calling in the over 80s for vaccination locally. Vaccinations of care home staff and NHS and care workers will continue with the Pfizer vaccine supplies.

Work is ongoing so that, by mid-January, a growing number of GP practices across the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire will be calling patients in for the vaccine, as well as providing vaccination for more care home residents.

Health and care staff will also be called in for vaccination in Carmarthen and Cardigan’s mass centres.

We asked the Health Board when Pembrokeshire will have a dedicated vaccination facility and why it had not had a vaccination centre when the other counties covered by the Board did.

Although the Board did not reply directly to those questions, an announcement is expected soon to address local concerns.

At this point, the Health Board plans to open a community vaccination facility in Haverfordwest, as more vaccine doses are provided. However, the Board has not indicated when that centre will open or disclosed its capacity to administer the much-awaited vaccine.

That issue is expected to be clarified Friday 8th January.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!