News

Covid and other factors putting pressure on local hospitals – and how you can help

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2021

IMPORTANT news release from the Hywel Dda University Health Board: The board is taking action to ensure critical care for patients most in need is delivered in hospitals, community and primary care settings, despite widespread system pressures.

NHS bodies across Wales, and indeed the UK are facing multiple challenges including the impact of staff leave and self-isolation, difficulties in discharging medically-fit patients, high emergency demand, and within the Hywel Dda area, an increase in Covid-19 patients being admitted to our hospitals.

In response to this situation, Hywel Dda UHB has re-introduced some temporary measures, with the aim of continuing to provide as much planned surgery as possible, while also ensuring that we have the necessary ability to safely care for patients in emergency situations. This is in the midst of what remains an extremely challenging, ongoing pandemic.

Measures include taking the difficult decision to temporarily suspend elective orthopaedic surgery at Prince Philip Hospital and Withybush Hospital, so we can provide more bed capacity in non-Covid-19 areas and reduce pressures on our unscheduled care system. However, significant theatre work, treatment and investigations still continue across our sites.

The health board can also confirm that, as of Wednesday (01 September 2021), we have temporarily closed admissions and visiting to one ward at Glangwili Hospital to manage a Covid-19 outbreak, with additional precautions also being taken at a further two wards. Visiting to all wards remains restricted and by appointment only. For any queries please contact the ward manager to discuss.

Steve Moore, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda UHB, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would firstly like to reassure our communities that what we are doing is all about prioritising patient safety at this time.

“I want to be clear that our urgent and emergency care services remain open for people who need to use them, and the measures we are putting in place will help to ensure that we can see these patients. Our skilled and compassionate staff are using their skills to prioritise and care for patients in the best way possible, and we are so grateful to them. However, we are still very much in this pandemic, which continues to disrupt our everyday lives, and unfortunately one of the consequences of this is that we are having to bring back temporary measures, including postponing some surgery in the short term, to ensure we can safely care for patients.

“The rise in cases in Hywel Dda shows that, whilst hospital admissions are not as high as in previous waves, COVID-19 remains a serious risk to our health and our health service. I’m appealing to everyone to continue doing their bit by sticking with the ‘keep safe’ behaviours that have been shown to reduce spread of the virus. Without your help, we will see more cases which puts individuals at risk and can disrupt delivery of public services here in west Wales.”

Over the course of the pandemic the health board has introduced a number of new ways of working to help see and treat patients across both primary and secondary care, including remote telehealth and telemedicine clinics run by our GPs, and our Waiting List Support Service, which is designed to help manage patients and their care while they wait for their operation or procedure. A significant amount of work in theatres and other care is still continuing across all of our sites and we are extremely proud of our staff for their continued efforts to deliver this.

How you can help:

For urgent and emergency care only, call 999 – our hospitals are continuing to see patients who have medical emergencies. There are measures in our hospitals designed to keep patients as safe as possible and people are urged to seek urgent medical attention if they need it. Remember – you still need to wear a mask and observe social distancing in all healthcare settings.
If you have a non-urgent need, please seek alternatives to A&E such as visiting the 111 symptom checker https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ visiting your local community pharmacy or calling your doctor’s surgery
Be community spirited – If you have a relative waiting to be discharged from hospital, please support them in their journey home and help settle them once they arrive. Check up on friends, family and neighbours.
Protect the NHS – and Keep Wales Safe. By following government guidance you can help; visit https://gov.wales/coronavirus View our video on ‘keep safe’ behaviours, which features local staff from public services https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W4bBjpPYtw
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, including cold and flu-like symptoms, must self-isolate and book a test via: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 as soon as possible. By doing this, you can help to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus across our communities.
Get your vaccine – this is the best way to protect you and others form COVID-19 https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination-programme/

Crime

Begelly man sentenced for carrying metal bar during nightclub fight

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MAN has been sentenced after approaching a Pembrokeshire nightclub armed with a metre-long metal bar.

Just after 2:30am on July 21, police were called to Main Street, Pembroke, following reports of a large fight involving around 100 people outside ‘Out’ nightclub.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week: “Officers were told it was a large fight. They saw Walter Probert, 27, march purposefully towards a parked van.

“The van’s lights were on, and they saw the defendant pull out a long, green metal pole. He took ten steps back towards the nightclub and transferred the pole from one hand to the other.”

Another man approached Probert, removed the pole from his hands, and placed it inside the van.

“Because of the manner in which the pole was used by the defendant, it became an offensive weapon,” added Ms James.

CCTV footage of the incident was shown to magistrates.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Probert had no recollection of the incident.

“He doesn’t remember what he was doing, but he accepts everything that has been said. He was very drunk,” she said.

“He was brought up in the gypsy travelling community and doesn’t have an alcohol issue; he’s just a social drinker. He’s thankful to his friend who took the pole and placed it back inside the van.”

Probert, of the Caravan Site, Kingsmoor Common, Begelly, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.

“No threats were made by the defendant when he picked it up, but it was a stupid decision,” said Mr Lloyd. “As soon as he was challenged and asked what he was doing, he ceased.”

Probert was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge. Magistrates imposed a destruction order on the metal bar.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.