News
Vaccine milestone achieved in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
WITH thanks to the amazing efforts of vaccination teams and GP practices across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, we can confirm that Hywel Dda UHB has met the first Welsh Government vaccination milestone of offering a first dose to everyone in groups 1 to 4 by Monday 15 February.
Locally recorded figures confirm that at 10am today, Monday 15 February, 101,938 vaccines have been administered – that’s 92% of local people in the first 4 priority groups. With many GP practices and the Health Board’s Mass Vaccination Centres working hard over the weekend it is likely that there is still more data yet to be added but even without this, the local NHS has risen to the challenge to protect its most vulnerable people in record time.
The health board’s focus now turns to the next stage of its vaccination programme as we move on to the next priority groups while also providing second doses to those who received their first dose in December.
Steve Moore, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda UHB, said, “This vaccination programme offers a real solution in the fight against COVID-19 and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played their part in this achievement.
“I’d also like to thank our community in groups priority groups 1 to 4 who have come forward in large numbers to receive their vaccine. At the start of this programme we viewed success would mean 75% of each group receiving a vaccine.
“We have surpassed this in all four groups and this puts our three counties in a very strong position to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and our local NHS.
“We hope to see this high uptake continue as we move to vaccinate groups 5 to 9 by spring and to the rest of our adult population through the summer. Thank you.”
Over the next few weeks, there will be a temporary reduction in the use of mass vaccination centres across the three counties in order to manage the logistics of delivering second doses in sequence at the vaccination centre where the first dose was received and also due to a slight reduction in the amount of vaccines being received.
Please be assured this is a planned and expected change in supply that will affect the whole of the UK. This has been factored this into our planning and it will not affect people’s appointments or delay when people are due to get their second dose. The supply of vaccines is expected to ramp up significantly from the beginning of March.
People aged 65 to 69 (priority group 5) will start to be contacted by their GP practice over the next couple of weeks to receive their vaccine and further announcements as to how people in group 6 will be invited will be made as soon as possible.
We understand people are anxious and want to know when they can have the vaccine. Please do not contact your GP, pharmacy or health board; you will be contacted when it is your turn. People will be invited to receive the vaccine in order of priority, so please be patient.
As more of our community start to receive a vaccine, people are reminded they must continue to follow current advice and guidance with regards to social distancing and wearing face coverings.
The vaccine will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know yet whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus.
For more information about the vaccine and the Hywel Dda vaccination programme, please visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/COVID19-Vaccination
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
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
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
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!
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