News

Health board yet to secure funding for new super-hospital to serve the three counties

Published

4 years ago

August 29, 2022

A CAMPAIGNER from Save Withybush says that plans for a new super-hospital serving the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire are hanging in the balance after it has beceome clear that the £1.3 billion requested by Hywel Dda University Health Board from the Welsh government has yet to been released.

In fact, in a meeting of Hywel Dda representatives last week (Wednesday) it was explained that Hywel Dda now find themselves in indirect competition with both Wrexham and Cardiff for the funding for both the new super-hospital, and the proposed new community health hub at Fishguard.

Worse still, the £1.3 billion bidding war between three health authorities which Hywel Dda now looks set to enter, could result in the Board losing its allocation bid, with the result it will find itself out of pocket.

The Save Withybush Campaign says that it has requested information on how Hywel Dda money is being allocated to ensure that Withybush Hospital can retain its services.

Wendy Ellis from the ‘Save Withybush Campaign’ says that even if funding was put in place now, we’re looking at a decade before the new super-hospital is completed.

She told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’re still at the point that even if they did get the £1.3billion to proceed, it will take up to ten years for the new hospital to be built.”

But that is not all Mrs Ellis explained to this newspaper that the the problem is being further exacerbated by the fact that monies allocated in past budgets for the maintenance of Withybush, but that maintenance has not been completed.

She added: “They’re now stating they have to spend £10 million on Withybush to maintain standards but with this comes the veiled threat that if the new hospital doesn’t go ahead, Withybush could not be sustainable in the long term.”

Mrs Ellis accused Hywel Dda of throwing money down the toilet. She said: “How much money have they already paid for scoping the proposed sites and all the accompanying administration costs and how much extra to they intend to pay before the Welsh Government makes its final decision?

“Hywel Dda has given the impression that the proposed changes are essential to maintain NHS services in this area so if their bid is not accepted, then they and the Welsh government are accepting a further deterioration in services.

“This is not going to help recruitment nor morale. It appears that Withybush is doomed, whether Hywel Dda wins or loses the bid.

“We are still awaiting information. A complete breakdown of costs on how much has already been spent by Hywel Dda concerning the proposed new hospital and community hubs was requested by Samuel Kurtz, the MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, back in July.

“Replies to this as well as the total amount spent by Hywel Dda on dentistry monies – we are still waiting.

“If Hywel Dda won’t answer a member of the Senedd, what hope have we got?” stressed a spokesperson for the ‘Save Withybush Campaign’.

“We live in such a wonderful county yet it appears that we’re being thrown to the dogs.”

Speaking earlier this year Lee Davies, director of strategic development and operational planning for Hywel Dda, said the board are aware of the ‘passion’ and ‘strength’ of feeling around plans to build a new hospital.

But Mr Davies called the proposed changes a ‘once-in-a-life-time investment’ into the health care services in west Wales.

Mr Davies said: “Our ambition is to move from a service that treats illness to one that keeps people well, prevents ill-health or worsening of ill health, and provides any help you need early on.

“We can also reassure the public that we have no plans or intention to close Withybush Hospital.

“We fully understand the passion and strength of feeling that exists in our communities.

“We share that passion, along with a commitment, to deliver the best possible care and services for people who live in mid and west Wales.”

Hywel Dda Health Board has been asked to comment on the latest development.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

9 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.