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Save Withybush Hospital Campaign issues local ‘Call to arms’ ahead of Senedd debate showdown

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2022

CAMPAIGNERS determined to save the A&E at Withybush hospital have announced that they will be ramping up efforts to engage local support for the hospital in the run up to the Senedd debate, which is to be held on Wednesday, June 29.

The debate comes following the recent Save Withybush A&E petition topping the 10,000 signatures needed for it to be considered for debate. With such strong support, now sitting at over 11,000 signatures, campaigners were offered the opportunity to close the petition early, so that it could go directly to a debate in the Senedd prior to the summer recess.

With the petition demonstrating such overwhelming feeling on this issue, campaigners say that they are now issuing a local “call to arms” ahead of the debate. Describing this as a rally cry for local residents, Town and community councils, Trade Union branches, County Councillors and anyone with concerns over the proposed downgrades to the hospital to take action and to make their voice heard in the run up to the debate.

A spokesperson said: “We have created several ways which people can help, We have created a Model Motion in support of the campaign which we are asking Town Councils, Community Councils and Trade Union branches across Pembrokeshire to carry at their meetings, We’d also like to thank Fishguard Town Council who are already canvassing their electorate with regards to passing a motion defending Withybush. We urge County Councillors to support a similar motion which is currently being considered by Pembrokeshire County Council. We’ve created an email template which we ask residents to send to their Local and Regional elected MS’s. We need to let our elected reps know that united we will defeat these dangerous plans to take away our A&E.”

Adding: “Voluntary researchers have also joined the campaign and have helped to create a briefing paper which will be sent to all the relevant MS’s so that they can contribute to the debate, fully armed with the facts, and in full knowledge of the dangers these proposals pose.”

The hard hitting Briefing paper highlights several areas where the Health Board’s proposed changes would put people at risk and have not been properly thought out, including concerns over the safety of workers within Pembrokeshire’s more dangerous industries such as Farming and the Oil refinery. Also citing the impact the changes would have for people who do not have cars and who simply could not rely on Pembrokeshire’s poorer infrastructure and public transport links if the changes ever went ahead.

Campaigners say the paper also highlights the Health Board’s abject failure to properly engage with the local community. Saying: “Under the Future Generations Act, which which is a brilliant piece of legislation adopted by Welsh Government in 2015, the Health Board has a legislative obligation to engage in co-production of services while drawing up proposals like this, our paper shows unequivocally that they have failed to do this because the various public consultation processes have not used the correct methodology. It’s all very well having brilliant ideas, but it’s not much use if those ideas are not being properly implemented which puts people’s health and lives at risk.”

The paper concludes with what campaigners describe as “damning insights” into the Health Board’s Financial motivation for the downgrades with the following words:.

“It is well known that HDUHB had been placed in targeted intervention, and is still under enhanced monitoring (last assessed 11th Feb. 2022) for financial mismanagement. We understand that there needs to be a business case presented to fund such wide scale changes; but the proposals are suggestive of making decisions based upon financial considerations rather than health need and population well being. HDUHB has three times issued public statements regarding pressure on services requesting the public stay away and cite recruitment problems as background issues to the proposals. Whilst these are pressing matters; they should not form the basis of decision making that risks universal access to that most basic health service- critical care.”

All of the ways which people can get involved, including how to email their local MS’s can be found on the Save Withybush Facebook group, or alternatively people can email [email protected] for a copy of the template letter to send to their MS’s.

The Save Withybush campaign urges all concerned to email or write to their MS’s and for all Town and Community Councils to adopt their model motion in defence of the hospital adding: “There seems to be a misconception among the executive of the Health Board that these proposals are some kind of ‘done deal’, they are not, the Board will soon learn that Pembrokeshire is prepared to fight them at every level to stop these dangerous proposals and that with our collective voice we will remind them that their job is to provide universal access to health services inline with the original principles of the NHS, currently they are not doing that, instead operating more like a corporate body which has lost its way.”

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Wanted: Steven Kimpriktzis in connection with drug trafficking operation

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are urgently seeking information leading to the arrest of Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis, aged between 45 and 50, in relation to a significant drug trafficking operation.

Kimpriktzis, an alleged central figure in an Organised Crime Group (OCG), is accused of conspiring to supply Class A controlled substances across Liverpool, Dorset, and Pembrokeshire between May 2021 and March 2022.

The police allege Kimpriktzis’s direct involvement in the orchestration of drug movements that have significantly impacted the regions involved. Standing at approximately 175 to 180 cm (5′ 10″) with a medium build and described as White European in ethnicity, Kimpriktzis has known connections in both Liverpool and Reading and has been spotted in Greece recently.

The Dyfed-Powys Police force is leading the charge in this cross-regional investigation, emphasising the severity of the charges against Kimpriktzis. As part of a larger OCG, his activities have drawn considerable concern, prompting a nationwide alert for his apprehension.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding Kimpriktzis’s whereabouts or activities. Confidential tips can be relayed anonymously by contacting 0800 555 111. The police stress the importance of community assistance in curtailing the operations of such organised crime groups, which pose significant risks to public safety and wellbeing.

In the ongoing battle against drug trafficking within the UK, the capture of individuals such as Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis represents a critical step in dismantling networks that fuel illegal drug distribution and associated criminal activities. The Dyfed-Powys Police remain dedicated to this cause, urging anyone with knowledge that could lead to Kimpriktzis’s arrest to come forward.

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‘SPARC’ Powering progress for females – launches on International Women’s Day

Published

2 months ago

March 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Pembrokeshire College proudly hosted the highly anticipated launch event of the Sustainable Power, Renewables, and Construction (SPARC) Alliance. This occasion celebrated women and effective collaboration between industry, notably the Alliance members: Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven and RWE Renewables, local secondary schools, and Pembrokeshire College.

The collective aim of SPARC is to promote gender diversity in these underrepresented industries. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Fay Jones, delivered an empowering address, emphasising the importance of initiatives like SPARC in promoting gender diversity. Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “I was delighted to come to Pembrokeshire College on International Women’s Day to celebrate the excellent work that’s been achieved by all the partners in promoting opportunities for young women. Encouraging women into professions like engineering and construction is vital to ensure they have the chance of achieving fantastic well-paid careers in their local area.

It’s great to see the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal being used for such a brilliant scheme.” The event that was opened by Dr Barry Walters, Principal of Pembrokeshire College, reminding the audience of the current gender gap in the featured sectors and the role we all should play encouraging females into non-traditional roles.

Keynote speaker and trailblazer Jessica Leigh Jones MBE, captivated the audience with her insights into the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and progress in the green economy. A highlight of the event was the SPARC Alliance panel discussion Chaired by the former Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson. The highlight was the female ‘Careers’ panel, five female professionals took time out of their busy schedules to inspire the next generation of engineers by answering questions from learners.

The SPARC Alliance investment and the additional funding from the Swansea City Deal, will support school teachers to deliver SPARC engagement activities. Awareness raising, building confidence and interacting with industry will add to unlocking female potential in these underrepresented industries. “Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council extend their gratitude to all partners whose unwavering collaboration and support have brought this transformative initiative to fruition, breaking barriers and building a future filled with opportunities for future generations.” SPARC Lead, Hayley Williams.

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Pembrokeshire man accused of ‘sexual activity’ with stepdaughter

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with committing sexual acts against his step-daughter.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of engaging in ‘adult sexual activity’ with the girl between January 1, and June 4, 2021.

The acts included sexually touching the child, who was 16 or over at the time of the alleged offences, with his finger.

He faces a total of four charges of engaging in sexual activity with his family member.

No pleas were entered by the defendant when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, which will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on March 28.

The defendant was released on unconditional bail.