News
SCBU closure: ‘Nurses said our baby would be dead if he was born next month’
A YOUNG couple who are convinced their baby would have died without the help of the special care baby unit at Withybush Hospital have sent a heartfelt message to Heath Minister, Mark Drakeford urging him not to close the unit.
Freddie, who is one of the last babies treated at the unit, was born on July 25, weighing less than three pounds. He is twelve weeks premature.
Dad, Myles Bamford Lewis, 22, from Milford Haven told The Herald: “It was so emotional at the hospital because the nurses were crying. They knew if Freddie had to go to Carmarthen he wouldn’t have made it. The paramedics told us they wouldn’t have got much further than Canaston Bridge before Freddie would have died.”
New mum, Jasmine McGinley, age 19, from Fishguard was in her home town when the ambulance was called.
Jasmine said: “It’s upsetting to think that babies and mothers will be put at risk at the closure of the SCBU.”
She added: “I’m just glad it was still open. The unit is closing a week Monday. The midwives, doctors and nurses nicknamed him ‘Lucky Freddie – a week later and he wouldn’t be here.”
This is the message Jasmine and Myles have sent to Dr. Drakeford: “This is a picture of my son, who will be one of the last to be born at Withybush SCBU under your new plans. Without Withybush he would have been born most probably around Canaston Bridge judging the time scale of my other half’s labour. It took 15 minutes for an ambulance team to get to Fishguard from Withybush, a further 15 minutes to get back. Within 20 minutes my son was born. He then needed medicine to open his lungs properly so he could breath. Being 12 weeks early he is at the end of his development before he starts to grow.”
The letter went on to say: “I’m not sure if your a father or whether you’ve ever had any problems with pregnancy but unless you start packing ambulances with machines comparable to the ones in an intensive care unit then Pembrokeshire babies will die on the way to Glangwili.”
“Without Withybush SCBU my son would have died. As a father, I beg that you see sense that SCBU is vital to give children the best chance they can get. Your toying with lives here. SCBU is something that should be invested in and not shut down… I’m just glad im not in your shoes, I would hate to be the one who has to tell a grieving father why his child died in the back of an ambulance because you want to save a few pennies.”
Swansea Crown Court entered formal not guilty verdicts on all counts, bringing the case to an end
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been cleared after the prosecution offered no evidence against him at Swansea Crown Court.
Luke Phillips, 23, of Woodlands Park, Haverfordwest, had previously faced charges relating to indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
The case came before His Honour Judge Thomas KC on Monday (Apr 13).
When the matter was called on, the prosecution offered no evidence on all counts.
Formal not guilty verdicts were then entered on each count, bringing the proceedings to an end.
Phillips was represented by barrister Ian Ibrahim.
The outcome means there is no further action to be taken in relation to the case.
It is understood that property seized during the investigation can now be returned following the conclusion of the proceedings.
PEMBROKESHIRE and Carmarthenshire have been named among the worst-affected areas in England and Wales for accidental deaths, according to new figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Newly-published data shows Pembrokeshire recorded an accidental death rate of 55.18 per 100,000 people in 2023, with Carmarthenshire close behind on 55.15. Both figures are rounded to 55 and place the two west Wales counties in the top 10 highest local authority areas across England and Wales.
Pembrokeshire ranked eighth on the list, while Carmarthenshire was ninth.
The figures form part of RoSPA’s latest Annual Review of Accidents, which warns that preventable deaths and injuries are continuing to rise across the UK.
Wales as a whole recorded an accidental death rate of 44.25 per 100,000 people in 2023, far above the UK-wide figure of 33.97. Only Scotland recorded a higher national rate.
The report paints a worrying picture for Wales, where RoSPA says accidental deaths have risen by 43 per cent over the past decade and now claim more than 1,200 lives a year.
Falls remain the biggest single cause of accidental death. In Wales, 733 people died in falls in 2023, up from 560 the previous year. That equates to a fatal falls rate of 23.15 per 100,000 people across the country.
The local breakdown suggests falls are also a major factor in west Wales. Pembrokeshire recorded a falls death rate of 28.79 per 100,000, while Carmarthenshire stood at 27.31. Carmarthenshire also had a notably higher accidental poisoning death rate than Pembrokeshire.
Across the whole of the UK, RoSPA estimates around 23,000 people died in accidents in 2023, while almost 900,000 people were admitted to hospital because of accidental injuries in 2023–24.
Becky Hickman, chief executive of RoSPA, said too many families were suffering life-changing loss from incidents that could often have been prevented.
She said: “Accidents devastate lives in an instant.
“They are often sudden, violent, and shocking, leaving families and communities to cope with consequences that can last a lifetime.
“What makes this devastation even harder to bear is the knowledge that so many of these incidents are entirely preventable.”
RoSPA has called for stronger action from governments across the UK, including a national strategy to reduce accidental deaths and serious injuries.
Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, the charity has also launched its Stronger, Safer Wales campaign, urging the next Welsh Government to treat accident prevention as a major public health priority.
The charity says the risks in Wales are particularly acute in areas such as falls, accidental poisonings, rural roads, machinery-related incidents and water safety.
Ms Hickman said: “Our Annual Review of Accidents shows we are still not doing enough to reduce avoidable harm, life-changing injuries and personal tragedies.
“From our roads to our workplaces, the homes we live in to where we spend our leisure time, people in Britain are at increasing and unacceptable risk of suffering a serious accident.”
Five-year project beneath Pembroke Castle could transform understanding of prehistoric Britain
A MAJOR new archaeological project has been launched at Wogan’s Cave beneath Pembroke Castle after experts revealed the site may hold one of the most important prehistoric records in Britain.
The hidden cavern, tucked beneath the northern side of the medieval fortress, is now at the centre of a five-year exploration which archaeologists believe could rewrite part of the story of ancient Britain.
At the heart of the excitement is the discovery of hippopotamus bones dating back around 120,000 years — a striking sign that animals now linked with far warmer climates once lived in what is now west Wales.
Researchers say the cave has also produced remains of mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, reindeer and wild horse, along with evidence of repeated human occupation stretching back more than 100,000 years.
The new project will be led by the University of Aberdeen, with support from Pembroke Castle Trust, after fresh funding was secured for a detailed programme of excavation and analysis.
Lost world beneath the castle
For many years, Wogan’s Cave was thought to have been largely emptied by Victorian excavations, leading archaeologists to believe that little of major significance remained.
That assumption has now been turned on its head.
More recent work has shown that large areas of sediment survived intact, preserving a valuable archive of prehistoric life, changing climates and early human activity. Experts now believe the cave may contain evidence spanning several different periods of occupation, making it one of the most important sites of its kind in Britain.
The finds point to a landscape dramatically different from the Pembrokeshire seen today, with warmer periods supporting animals such as hippos and colder phases bringing species including reindeer and woolly rhinoceros.
Experts are particularly excited by signs that the cave may hold extremely rare evidence of early Homo sapiens in Britain, alongside traces of even earlier human occupation, probably by Neanderthals.
Scientific techniques
The five-year investigation is expected to use advanced scientific methods including high-precision dating and DNA analysis from bones and cave sediments.
Archaeologists hope this will help answer major questions about how prehistoric humans lived, how they responded to huge swings in climate, and how different groups may have used the cave over tens of thousands of years.
The project also promises to shine a new light on Pembroke Castle itself, which is already internationally famous as the birthplace of Henry Tudor.
Until now, the castle’s story has largely centred on its medieval significance. But the latest discoveries suggest the headland on which it stands was important to humans and animals for many thousands of years before the first stone walls were ever raised.
National importance
Castle staff have welcomed the new phase of work, saying the discoveries add an extraordinary new chapter to Pembroke’s already rich history.
There is also strong local importance, with finds from the cave expected to be curated and kept in Pembroke.
Wogan’s Cave has long fascinated visitors, but the latest announcement is likely to push it firmly into the national spotlight.
What was once seen as a largely exhausted chamber beneath a famous castle is now emerging as a prehistoric time capsule — one with the potential to reshape understanding of ancient Britain.
If the full promise of the site is realised, Pembroke may become known not only for its medieval past, but for preserving one of the deepest and richest records of prehistoric life yet discovered anywhere in these islands.
Community21 hours ago
Hippo bones put Wogan’s Cave at centre of major new dig
Five-year project beneath Pembroke Castle could transform understanding of prehistoric Britain A MAJOR new archaeological project has been launched at...
Crime22 hours ago
Man found staggering in street after brutal caravan attack
Victim suffered fractured wrist and suspected broken jaw after assault in Pembroke Dock A MAN was found staggering around Pembroke...
News2 days ago
Labour rift erupts over DARC as campaigners say Morgan’s move is too little, too late
Anti-radar group says First Minister’s call for a pause falls far short of what angry Pembrokeshire residents are demanding A...
Business2 days ago
Tenby harbour RNLI building takeaway allowed after appeal
A REFUSED scheme for a takeaway food kiosk at a former lifeboat store in Tenby’s seaside harbour, has now been...
Community3 days ago
Family safe after major house fire in Letterston, community told
Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area A FAMILY escaped without injury after a...
News3 days ago
Haverfordwest County AFC escapes winding-up order but ordered to pay costs
Club avoided liquidation in case remained live until it came before a judge at the High Court in London A...
News3 days ago
Seal pup’s 120km swim ends in rescue and release
Young grey seal found weak at St Brides Bay after remarkable journey from Cornwall is now back in the wild...
Crime3 days ago
Woman who called for help spared jail over blade offence
Court hears Haverfordwest defendant was in severe mental distress and carrying razors to harm herself A HAVERFORDWEST woman who contacted...
Community3 days ago
Spitfire latest: Pembrokeshire flypast looks more likely this afternoon
THE LATEST public updates suggest the iconic Spitfire is now expected to leave RAF Valley at around 2:00pm today (Apr...
Crime4 days ago
Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed
Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service A...
-
Business4 days agoA proper Pembroke local: Inside the warm welcome of The Old Cross Saws Inn
-
Crime6 days agoOver 500 arrests at latest Palestine Action protest in London
-
Sport5 days agoGrand Slam win for Pembrokeshire rugby ace
-
Business2 days agoMilford Haven dry dock pitched as home for giant £480m superyacht yard
-
Community4 days agoDoorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire
-
Crime4 days ago
Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed
-
Politics3 days agoWelsh Lib Dems promise childcare boost, social care reform in manifesto launch
-
News3 days ago
Haverfordwest County AFC escapes winding-up order but ordered to pay costs
wayne marshall
July 26, 2014 at 11:49 pm
Dear sir,
I have heard that camarthen hospital is not ready for the switch yet as the baby unit is not up to scratch so what will happen if the switch goes ahi ead without camarthen being ready i dread to think
Georgiana
July 27, 2014 at 10:29 am
Only someone who lives in the city would make decisions such as closing the SCBU. They don’t appreciate how long it takes to get to various hospitals in the ‘sticks’.
I was told that something like this happened in England. They close the local baby unit and women had to drive 30+ miles to get to the nearest one, babies died and years later they reopened the original unit.
Gareth
July 27, 2014 at 1:12 pm
There are good and bad out comes of this. Withybush is only a levle two care and they say they can take 30 weeks pregnant with only level 2 care. Our son was 33 weeks and was left ventilated until a team from Swansea came down to take him to a level 3 care hospital. He got to Swansea in 30 mins. Now with this scubu unit closed withybush will have to take full tearm only reducing risk. That being said every pregnancy is a risk but if needed to be transferred it would be done in an ambulance just for this job and trust me the ambulance has more in it that the whole scubu unit in Haverfordwest. So I wouldn\\\’t say it\\\’s all doom and gloom people only look at the negatives. I personally think it will force hospitals to manage not only cost but risk. People might have a negative out look on this comment but trust me we have been there and done it and with better management in a higher care unit our son would of had a less complex birth and after care
Noo
July 27, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Gareth, I think you miss the point here, Carmarthen is also a level 2 unit, without SCBU in Pembs and a specialist team these very premature babies have no chance of survival in those vital few hours, I’m afraid you have been misinformed regarding the equipment aboard the retrieval ambulance they do not carry Ventilators etc, every child deserves the right to life in this day and age
jane perkins
July 27, 2014 at 4:10 pm
My son was born 23 years ago. Without the special care baby unit he would not be alive now. I lived in St Davids and the nurses would call us when he need to be fed by me and we did until he could come home. But if he had been in Carmarthen we wouldn\’t have made it on time. So no son. Sadly this is awful news for the people of Pembrokshire and im horrified
Kelly John
July 27, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Glangwilli is nowhere near ready to look after extremely premature babies, my daughter was transferred here from singleton during her sbcu, she picked up 3 infections before she was transferred back to recover, it\’s understaffed, not up to specs for these babies without immunity to germs. This is the worst news I\’ve heard for a while and I feel so sorry for the family\’s that will undoubtably suffer 🙁
Tommo
July 28, 2014 at 9:07 am
In response to the comment left by Gareth, in no way do ambulances have the same equipment in them that a specialist SCBU unit does. So many specialist medications and machines are needed to keep a premature baby alive. Also specialist nurses who are specifically trained to use these medications and equipment. Babies lives will be lost. 30 minutes is to long. And that\’s on a good day.
Natashia
July 28, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I don’t usually agree with suing hospitals, but in this case I hope everyone who looses a loved one with the closure of Withybush does sue. Hit them where it hurts, their pockets!
David Williams
July 29, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Gareth, there is no neonatal 2 in Withybush or Glangwili. Withybush is neonatal 2 in everything but name and Hywel Dda only aspire to Neonatal 2 in Glangwili some time in future, not when changes come into effect. In your case nothing would have changed because your baby would still have had to go to Swansea for neonatal 3 except you would have had to take your wife to Carmarthen when he arrived early. Did the air ambulance take the baby to Swansea as there was no way he could have got there from Withybush otherwise. Any pods & staff have to be supplied by Withybush for the emergency ambulance (ambulance service only provide ambulance & driver) so I cannot see how they will have better equipment. Especially as the space is much less in an ambulance than the excellent SCBU at Withybush . Neither will there be consultants at hand as currently until it gets to Glangwili. Unfortunately I think you have been misinformed or not researched enough.
isowindows.net
March 26, 2026 at 2:28 pm
References:
How to get off steroids
References:
https://moxymuse.com/forums/users/flysex2/
https://pikidi.com/seller/profile/jacketbuffer2
March 27, 2026 at 7:31 pm
References:
Online sport betting
References:
https://schoolido.lu/user/blousejune3/
www.grenzlandgruen.de
March 27, 2026 at 9:37 pm
References:
Tren mental side effects
References:
https://wm01oaq9b.hier-im-netz.de/Blog;focus=TKOMSI_com_cm4all_wdn_Flatpress_23962032&path=&frame=TKOMSI_com_cm4all_wdn_Flatpress_23962032?x=entry:entry220916-125859%3Bcomments:1
video.silverwolfstudios.com
March 31, 2026 at 3:13 pm
References:
Hgh stack cycle
References:
https://nvuplayer.com/@irwinmoberg32?page=about
git.dieselor.bg
March 31, 2026 at 7:37 pm
References:
Anabolic steroids in sport
References:
http://8.134.11.35:3000/shanehargrove6
wiibiplay.fun
April 1, 2026 at 7:14 pm
References:
Westside barbell book
References:
http://60.247.225.25:3000/fletcher44f95
101.43.238.71
April 1, 2026 at 8:36 pm
References:
Betaine supplement bodybuilding
References:
https://svideo.ge/@jacquelynbelt5?page=about
https://git.bp-web.app/shawneehartin3
April 3, 2026 at 10:35 am
References:
Illegal steroids names
References:
https://eliteyachtsclub.com/employer/ugl-vs-legit-pharma-efficacy-pharma-t-nation-by-biotest/
platform.giftedsoulsent.com
April 3, 2026 at 11:05 am
References:
Best post cycle therapy for steroids
References:
https://skaytv.com/@csnkoby367249?page=about
gitea.diputadosalta.gob.ar
April 3, 2026 at 3:20 pm
References:
Steroids and depression side effects
References:
http://152.136.187.229/loviebrownlee7
http://47.99.119.173/
April 3, 2026 at 7:31 pm
References:
Effects of steroids on males
References:
https://inclusiveaistrategies.com/blog/index.php?entryid=1350
prpack.ru
April 4, 2026 at 1:14 pm
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment
(it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
References:
https://securityholes.science/wiki/200_Bonus_10MinAuszahlung
tonbelief8.werite.net
April 4, 2026 at 10:47 pm
References:
Instant Casino Treuepunkte einlösen
References:
https://intensedebate.com/people/babychief16
dreevoo.com
April 5, 2026 at 1:39 am
References:
Instant Casino Jackpot Spiele
References:
https://a-taxi.com.ua/user/harpquartz5/
https://gamesgrom.com/
April 5, 2026 at 2:27 am
References:
Instant Casino Treuepunkte einlösen
References:
https://may22.ru/user/findiris59/
https://sciencebookmark.top
April 5, 2026 at 4:26 am
References:
Instant Casino Treuepunkte einlösen
References:
https://ovalbell53.werite.net/top-trustly-casinos-online-casino-mit-trustly-einzahlung
http://warblog.hys.cz
April 6, 2026 at 4:51 am
References:
Casino prague
References:
https://bookmarks4.men/story.php?title=winspirit-casino-australia-bonus-up-to-4000-aud-100-fs
https://jacobsen-kragelund.mdwrite.net/testosteron-steigern-bei-manner-naturliche-wege-fur-mehr-wohlbefinden-2026
April 6, 2026 at 8:23 am
References:
Bulk muscle fast
References:
https://hedgedoc.eclair.ec-lyon.fr/s/9ouUjDKcA
peatix.com
April 6, 2026 at 9:07 am
References:
How to workout on steroids
References:
https://trade-britanica.trade/wiki/HGH_Injections_Information_and_Where_to_Get_Them
rater.in
April 6, 2026 at 5:44 pm
References:
Definition of androgenic
References:
https://jobsrific.com/employer/how-to-buy-testosterone-online-clinics-trt-legal-options/
cyprusjobs.com.cy
April 6, 2026 at 9:06 pm
References:
Body steroids
References:
https://recruitmentfromnepal.com/companies/can-you-buy-clenbuterol-legally-a-comprehensive-guide/
clinfowiki.win
April 12, 2026 at 7:42 pm
injectable anabolic steroids for sale
References:
https://clinfowiki.win/wiki/Post:Liquid_Testolone_RAD140_Premium_15_Mg_mL_Solution
sundaynews.info
April 12, 2026 at 8:57 pm
united pharmacies steroids
References:
https://sundaynews.info/user/peruframe06/
https://tvoyaskala.com
April 13, 2026 at 5:19 pm
References:
Online casino echtes geld gewinnen
References:
https://actualites.cava.tn/user/targetbull2/
squareblogs.net
April 14, 2026 at 8:00 am
References:
Mahjong connect timeless
References:
https://argrathi.stars.ne.jp:443/pukiwiki/index.php?martensguy293228
ricetteclara.com
April 14, 2026 at 8:03 am
References:
Craps rules
References:
http://maddog-server.org/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=415973
pads.jeito.nl
April 15, 2026 at 3:39 pm
References:
Where to buy trenbolone near me
References:
https://squareblogs.net/timersoccer1/buy-trenbolone-online-best-supplier-guide
https://www.investagrams.com/Profile/juarez3927422
April 15, 2026 at 7:56 pm
References:
Online Casino Echtgeld schnellste Auszahlung
References:
https://schoolido.lu/user/mexicoslime33/
rentry.co
April 16, 2026 at 7:01 am
References:
Testosteron Booster Testsieger
References:
https://graph.org/Testosteron-ohne-Rezept-kaufen-04-15
https://www.tunmargaircon.com/product/panasonic-cassette-ac-1-5-ton-3-star-fixed-speed
April 16, 2026 at 5:21 pm
References:
Hollywood casino st louis mo
References:
https://insights.augmont.com/mr-prithviraj-kothari-md-rsbl-gold-tend-to-move-sideways
https://--7sbbcv4aqksnid.рф/
April 16, 2026 at 11:50 pm
References:
Bodybuilding muscle names
References:
https://magiamgia.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-49099.html