News

Save Withybush: More protests planned against ‘repurposing’ of our local hospital

Published

2 years ago

February 3, 2022

RESIDENTS of Pembrokeshire who are worried about plans to ‘downgrade’ Withybush to a ‘community hospital’ are planning further protests against this decision.

Withybush’s future has been uncertain for many years with several protests against the perennially unpopular decision already being staged by concerned local people eager to have their voices heard outside the under-threat hospital and even outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

A Hywel Dda Health Board report dated Thursday, January 27, states that “consolidating services” like trauma, emergency surgeries and Accident & Emergency services into fewer sites “will improve standards, service resilience and a shift towards 24-hour, 7-day models of care”.

Previous protests seem to have fallen on deaf ears

Under plans unveiled by Hywel Dda, Withybush would be ‘repurposed’ into a community hospital with a 24/7 urgent care centre led by GPs which would only be capable of dealing with minor injuries like upper body injuries, infections, head injuries, illnesses, animal or insect bites, some broken bones, minor burns and eye injuries.

A yet-to-be-built urgent and planned care hospital, expected to be built somewhere between Narberth and St. Clears, would deal with more serious injuries.

Hywel Dda Health Board has said that “further work with our clinical partners and the public to engage on what our service pathways look like” will be undertaken.

The ‘Save Withybush’ Facebook group, which is planning a new wave of protests, has seen a drastic increase in its members since Hywel Dda’s plans were unveiled.

‘Save Withybush’ member Jaqueline Doig said: “How can an entire county be left without A&E (emergency care) provision at a general hospital?”

“It is a rural area with a wide-spread and isolated population, bad road links and poor public transport provision. The population of 125,000 can easily be boosted by four million tourists” Jaqueline said.

“Pembrokeshire people have been campaigning to save services and their hospital for years,” Jaqueline continued “but they are not listened to – why? Why should Pembrokeshire be treated so shabbily?”

The first of the new wave of protests is scheduled to take place from 11am on Wednesday, February 23, the middle of half term.

If you want to be a part of efforts to save Withybush, you can find the group on Facebook here.

Health

Schoolboy Rowan raises £900 for oncology unit

Published

4 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROWAN NICKERSON, 12, from Pembrokeshire, ran in the Long Course Weekend Wales 5k and raised £900 for the Pembrokeshire Haematology Oncology Day Unit.

Rowan took part in the 5k road race on 23^rd June 2024 in memory of his Aunty Sharon who had received such excellent care and treatment at the unit.

Rowan said: “I enjoyed my first ever 5k road race. Thanks to everyone who supported me and who has kindly donated.”

Liliana Guta, Senior Sister, said: “A big well done to Rowan for taking part in the Long Course Weekend Wales 5k and raising money in memory of his Aunty.

“All the staff on the chemo unit want to thank to Rowan for his amazing achievement, for his kindness and commitment. It was such an admirable thing to do, and many patients will benefit from the money that he raised. Rowan should be very proud of himself; he is an inspiration to others.”

Rowan’s fundraising will go toward the new Heads Up! Cancer Hair Loss Support Service at Withybush Hospital. The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from our local community to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

The health board is the first in Wales to run this charity-funded initiative to improve the patient experience of cancer-related hair loss.

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We would like to say a huge well done to Rowan for taking part in his first 5k and raising such a fantastic amount.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Pictured above (L-R): Annie Ritchie, Wendy, Jo, Liliana Guta, Rowan Nickerson, Louise MacDonald and Amy Rees-Thomas

Entertainment

Llys y Frân gearing up for another popular Play Day

Published

4 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PLAY DAY 2024 with Pembrokeshire County Council is welcoming all ages to a family fun day out at Llys y Frân on Wednesday, 7^th August.

All families and ages are welcome to attend for a fun filled cost friendly day from 10am to 3pm.

There will be a variety of free activities provided throughout the day including bouncy castles, messy play, storytelling, bug hunting, glitter tattoos, soft plays and face painting.

All wheels are welcome – please feel free to bring your bikes, scooters and even roller blades.

Parking is £3 for the day but entry and activities are free of charge.

There is a café on site that will be open as normal for food and drinks. As well as this, there are places to eat should families wish to bring a picnic!

Llys Y Frân also have disabled access throughout their site, making is accessible for all.

News

Positive progress on South Quay regeneration requires car park closure

Published

4 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WORKS are due to start on the final phase of the South Quay Development in Pembroke.

This project includes a visitor attraction, new library and café, restored and enhanced historic gardens within the burgage plots and the Pembroke Hwb, offering support services and community facilities to Pembroke and the south of the county.

Due to the extensive works there will be a requirement to close South Quay Car Park from Monday, 12th August to allow for construction works to begin on the South Quay regeneration projects.

Access will be maintained to the slipway with the road being diverted to follow the railings to the river side of the Car Park.

To facilitate these works the Public Toilets located at South Quay will be also be closed from Monday, 12th August, with alternative facilities available at The Commons and Main Street.

Enhanced public toilet facilities with be provided for within the new development

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “We appreciate that closing the facilities on South Quay will cause some inconveniences, especially during our busy summer season.

“The project is progressing well and will create enhanced visitor and community facilities for this area, offering services, attractions and jobs to Pembroke town.”