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Cancer care questions continue

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prof wagstaff• Health Board cancer service ‘propped up’ and ‘unsustainable’

• Will cancer care be cut and moved to Carmarthen?

“HYWEL DDA do have a serious problem with their oncology services. They currently employ two oncologists to serve a population of 250,000 persons. 

“They rely on visiting Swansea consultants to prop up their service. This is unsustainable. “Furthermore oncology has become so specialised that it is no longer possible to be a general oncologist treating all types of cancer. “It is my view that Hywel Dda should employ sufficient oncologists to allow patients with common cancers to be treated at one hospital in the Health Board. “Patients with rarer cancers will need to travel to Swansea to a consultant who is sub specialised in the rarer cancer types. This is the way that oncology is developing across Europe.” The words of Professor John Wagstaff, the Programme Director in Medical Oncology for the Wales Deanery, the Postgraduate School for Medicine and Dentistry and the body responsible for commissioning, quality assurance and supporting the education and training of trainees, hospital doctors, GPs, dentists and DCPs throughout Wales. We asked the Health Board to respond to Professor Wagstaff’s views and we were directed to the comment it had already made about cancer services in Pembrokeshire last week: “Hywel Dda University Health Board is fully committed to the achievement of a new Chemotherapy Day Unit for Pembrokeshire which will realise the time, effort and investment that has been made by those fundraising in the county. The capital build is only part of the challenge as all service/units that we provide require a review of staffing to ensure that they are sustainable in the long term. “We continue to work hard with colleagues, partner organisations and stakeholders, including our charitable fundraisers, to ensure we provide the best care possible for cancer patients and will continue to work closely with them on the development of the new Chemotherapy Day Unit.” That response does not, however, address one inconsistency in the Health Board’s approach. The head of oncology at the Wales Deanery says that the current service model cannot be sustained and that services need to be centred in one location in relation to cancer services. Taking the Board’s press statement above at face value, it contemplates ignoring Professor Wagstaff’s view, albeit one expressed in a personal capacity. However, the Board continues to press ahead with its even more controversial plans relating to the SCBU, which it claims it is obliged to carry out due to Deanery advice on service provision. Most tellingly, it appears that the advertisement for a cancer specialist doctor at Withybush will be precisely the type of general post that Professor Wagstaff states is no longer appropriate. A Health Board spokesperson also said: “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 review board includes in its membership oncologist from ABMUHB with whom we have a long standing contractual relationship to deliver oncology services. The board will consider a range of views from different clinical staff. The board also includes members of the CHC. “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.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Tomos

    July 23, 2014 at 8:55 am

    for how long will carwyn Jones and the apologists (usually well paid spin doctors from these trusts) give us the usual clap trap – The welsh are sicker – as an excuse for the worst cancer survival rates in ANY modern country in the World including Eastern europe and even some African countries

    Let’s not forget when an especially outrageous or sad story is picked up by the media that well known phrase – Lessons have been learnt – (usually they mean we’ll bully whistle blowers even more to shut up as it’s slightly embarassing for our £200k pa boss)

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St Davids Lifeboat responds to Mayday call from wind farm support vessel

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ST DAVIDS RNLI responded to a Mayday call at 5:55am on Sunday (Jan 19) after a fire broke out on a 19-metre wind farm support vessel, located 12 miles north-west of St Davids Head. Four people were onboard the vessel when the incident occurred.

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat, Norah Wortley, into the pre-dawn darkness. Upon arrival at the scene, it was confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. Although the vessel’s engines remained unaffected, there were concerns about the fire potentially reigniting. To ensure safety, the lifeboat escorted the stricken vessel to Fishguard Harbour.

At the harbour, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue officers boarded the vessel to conduct safety checks and secure the situation.

St Davids lifeboat was stood down at 9:40am, returning to station by 10:40am.

Jane Palin, Duty Launch Authority for St Davids RNLI, said: “Thankfully, the vessel’s crew managed to contain the fire before our arrival, and all persons onboard were safe. Escorting the vessel to the safety of Fishguard Harbour gave peace of mind to both crews. This was the fourth call-out for the station in five days and demonstrates the commitment of our volunteers, whatever the time of year.”

The RNLI reminds the public of the vital role played by its volunteers, who remain ready to respond to emergencies at any hour.

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Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after child found in critical condition

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A MAN has been charged after an incident in Cardigan on Wednesday, January 15.

Police were called to an address in Y Ferwig, Cardigan, shortly before 10:15pm following a report of concerns for the welfare of an infant.

A young child was immediately taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

Rhydian Jamieson, 27, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been charged with attempted murder.

Jamieson has been remanded into custody and is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 20).

Investigators have expressed gratitude for the support of the community while enquiries continue.

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Crime

Air ambulance called to Parc Prison as inmate suffers ‘severe medical episode’

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THE TROUBLED HMP Parc prison in Bridgend faced yet another incident today (January 18), with an air ambulance called to respond to a medical emergency involving an inmate suffering from psychosis.

According to the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, the incident unfolded during a visitation session when the inmate, reportedly diagnosed with psychosis, experienced a severe panic attack that left him struggling to breathe. Despite prior warnings from medical professionals about his condition, it is alleged that neither G4S, the private firm managing Parc, nor Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, acted to ensure the prisoner received the treatment he urgently needed.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with children and visitors visibly upset. Reports suggest healthcare staff on-site intervened by administering a “salt shot” to alleviate the inmate’s breathing difficulties, but the situation escalated, leading to the inmate collapsing and requiring emergency evacuation to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further assessment.

Parc Prison, Bridgend (Pic: Herald)

The inmate’s history reveals a troubling pattern of neglect. After a psychiatric assessment on December 13, 2024, he was diagnosed with psychosis and deemed unfit to plead during a court hearing on December 20. The court ordered his transfer to a mental health facility for treatment and anti-psychotic medication. However, as of today, the transfer had not been carried out, leaving the individual untreated for over three months while on remand.

The HMP Prisons Justice Group claims that G4S initially attempted to attribute today’s episode to drug use, a claim that has since been refuted. “When the salt shot was administered, his breathing improved, which wouldn’t have happened if it was drug-related,” the group stated. They accused G4S of using this defense to divert attention from what they describe as systemic neglect.

Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent further incidents at Parc Prison. The facility has been plagued by controversy, with ongoing allegations of corruption, inadequate healthcare, and rising violence. Last year alone, assaults on staff increased by 109%, and the prison recorded 17 deaths within 11 months.

The inmate involved in today’s incident is reportedly undergoing psychological assessment at the Heath Hospital, with calls for his immediate sectioning to secure the treatment he needs. Critics argue that the prison’s failure to act on prior court orders highlights the ongoing crisis at Parc.

Campaigners insist that the incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform at the privately-run facility.

This latest incident raises questions about the prison’s capacity to manage vulnerable inmates and provides further evidence of the deteriorating conditions at Parc Prison, which continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed attendance.

Both Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and G4S has been asked to comment.

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