Community

Plans to out-source services announced

Published

13 years ago

October 21, 2013

HYWEL Dda Health Board announced this week possible plans to out-source out of hours GP and triage services to private company Primecare, who already provide the same service in Carmarthenshire.
It has been reported that there was a risk that should the proposal go ahead then there was the potential for twelve part-time contracts to be adversely affected, possibly resulting in job cuts.
However, speaking to The Herald, a spokesperson for the Hywel Dda Health Board said that this was not the case, and that they were ‘still looking at options and had no idea how many people, if any, it would affect at this time’, should it go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Health Board said: “Currently there are two separate GP out of hours services provided in Hywel Dda. Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion’s call handling and triage service is provided in-house and Carmarthenshire’s by the private sector. Both services provide NHS face-to-face treatment centres and home visits consultations. The Health Board is exploring the possible benefits of developing a three counties GP out of hours call handling and triage service for Hywel Dda as we aim to provide a more consistent and efficient service for all our patients”.
When asked about the potential for a decrease in efficiency, as well as the fear of greater waiting times, the spokesperson continued: “We strongly believe this approach will offer improved patient choice and speed up home visits that could result in a reduction of calls to 999 and admission to hospital.
‘’The Board has a duty to consult with, and support, any staff affected by the proposed change and will do so when we are confident that this change will improve out of hours access for our patients. We would also like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that the Board will work with our clinicians to ensure that this change will improve the service provided before any decision is made.”
Mid and West Wales AM, Joyce Watson issued this statement to The Herald: “While I support Hywel Dda’s intention to speed up home visits and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, in exploring options for GP out of hours services, patient care must remain the absolute priority.
‘’The potential impact on staff must also be seriously considered. I will be seeking meetings with Board representatives to discuss these proposals in greater detail.”
Paul Davis, AM member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, had this to say: “It’s right to consider how out of hours services can be delivered more effectively to meet patient demand and avoid putting patients through the sometimes distressing experience of an unnecessary visit to A&E. I welcome the Health Board’s commitment to engage positively with staff and patients and I hope that health bosses will listen to their views and act accordingly.”
Plaid Cymru AM, Simon Thomas, said: “Plaid Cymru has tabled a question to the Health Minister on this issue because of local concerns.
‘’More people could end up going to A&E if the service is not up to scratch. The danger is that private firms may cut costs by not employing staff as well trained as those currently serving local people.
‘’The recent Plaid Cymru brokered budget deal with the Welsh government means that Hywel Dda and the local council could bid for up to £8m from the Intermediate Care Fund to provide alternatives to people going to hospital and to encourage independent living.”
Primecare, founded in 1997, claim that they lead the way in the development of regular quality reporting for commissioning organisations, and are the first independent health care provider to have developed ‘this unique reporting system which allows regular, transparent reporting of both national and locally agreed quality indicators’.

Community

Family pay tribute to teenager who died during Duke of Edinburgh expedition

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Community

Hywel Dda reaffirms commitment to Armed Forces community

Published

10 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].

Community

British Empire Medal ceremony held at County Hall

Published

10 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INSPIRATIONAL Pembrokeshire woman has been presented with the British Empire Medal at a special ceremony at County Hall.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon during the ceremony, which was held in the Council Chamber on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the honour for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It recognises sustained local contribution, or innovative and high-impact work within a community.

Mrs McCutcheon was honoured in recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, through which she has helped transform the lives of disadvantaged children, many of them living with disabilities.

Her voluntary leadership has supported care, education and opportunities for vulnerable young people, helping to create lasting change and improve thousands of lives.

Mrs McCutcheon said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal.”

Mrs McCutcheon was joined at the ceremony by family and friends, along with Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries.

Miss Edwards said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved honour.”