News

Hancock: Board must regain public trust

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2014

THURSDAY’S meeting of the Health Board’s executive committee took place against a background of simmering resentment in Pembrokeshire at the fate of health services. New chairman Bernadine Rees told the meeting: “I am happy to be back and I understand the challenges. I want a meaningful engagement with the public.” Chief Executive Karen Howell added: “We want to determine what more can be done. We want to secure the long term sustainability of health services in Wales.” Members of the Board expressed concern that the Board had failed to communicate adequately with the public. Don Thomas said: “We need to listen, listen and act on the important issues. We’re keen to listen and understand what our residents are going through.” Local authority placeman Simon Hancock said: “It’s so important for us to understand how services on the ground are doing.” Independent member Eifion Griffiths said: “We have to make sure we are providing services for the population. We have to work with the whole of Wales. The local population will want to hear about what we are providing for them. Paul Hinge from the CHC added: “These changes have to be deliverable and you have to show them you have the ability to deliver them in a seamless manner.” Don Thomas said: “I hope there is an emerging recognition of the position we are in. The structural deficit in this board does need to be recognised and rectified.” IPPG nominee Simon Hancock drew attention to the serious service deficit in Tenby, the cause of major concern ahead of the main summer tourist season. He added that he was desperately concerned for Tenby describing the situation as critical. Simon Hancock’s concern on the issue highlights the fact that assurances given by the Board before the closure of Tenby’s purpose-built Minor Injuries Unit have been shown to be worthless, as local GP’s failed to sign up to the Board’s service model. Phil Kloer, interim director for primary care, community and mental health replied: “The important question is, why we have only got three GPs in the area.” Orthodontic and community dental care was another cause of concern. Orthodontic services were withdrawn from Withybush by the Board in 2010. It seems that centralising services has failed to deliver improvements. Paul Hinge told the meeting: “There is still an 18-month waiting list for orthodontics, this is unbelievable. They have to wait a long, long time and they are then offered a paying service to jump the queue: that part of it has got to stop. The amount of people who are moving out to other areas just to get a service is unbelievable.” Simon Hancock said: “It is important for this board to regain public trust.”

Business

Pure West Radio brings festive cheer with ‘Pure X-Mas’ on DAB

Published

16 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents can now enjoy the perfect festive soundtrack as Pure West Radio launches its dedicated Christmas station, “Pure X-Mas,” on DAB radio. Running from Saturday (Nov 30) to New Year’s Eve, the station promises nonstop Christmas music and holiday cheer for all listeners.

“Pure X-Mas” offers an exciting mix of timeless classics and modern holiday hits, creating a joyful atmosphere for decorating trees, wrapping presents, or simply enjoying the season.

Station Manager Toby Ellis said:
“This Christmas, we’re making it easier than ever for Pembrokeshire and beyond to tune into the magic of the season. Pure X-Mas on DAB is our gift to the community – a station entirely dedicated to spreading festive joy and creating lasting memories.”

Exclusively available on DAB, “Pure X-Mas” guarantees crystal-clear sound and easy access for listeners across North and South Pembrokeshire. Simply tune your DAB radio to Pure West Radio’s dedicated Christmas station and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Community

Brave special guardians to share their stories at Torch Theatre

Published

16 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE TORCH THEATRE is set to host a poignant event on Thursday, December 12, celebrating the experiences of Special Guardians. Running from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, the event will feature eight courageous Special Guardians sharing their stories, alongside Sophie Pierce, the visionary behind this groundbreaking project.

The showcase will blend professionally produced films with heartfelt personal storytelling, offering a unique insight into the lives and contributions of Special Guardians. This event aims to shine a spotlight on their vital, often unrecognized roles, amplifying their voices and calling attention to their experiences in an unprecedented way.

Organisers hope the presentation will resonate with audiences both locally and nationally, sparking greater awareness and inspiring changes in policies to better support these dedicated individuals.

Angela Moore, a project worker with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Family and Friends Team, shared her aspirations for the event: “We want to get these films seen, and their words heard, nationally to increase awareness and recognition of the vital role Special Guardians play and to support policy improvement.”

Tickets for this inspiring event are free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by emailing Angela Moore at [email protected].

Don’t miss this chance to honour the remarkable contributions of Special Guardians and experience their powerful stories brought to life.

News

Crash closes Pembroke road for over two hours

Published

17 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES were called to St Daniel’s Hill, Pembroke, this morning (Thursday, December 5) following a two-vehicle collision that left one person injured.

The crash occurred on the B4319 at around 7:30am, leading to the road being closed while both vehicles were recovered. The route was reopened at approximately 9:30am.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson confirmed: “Officers received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the B4319 at about 7.30am. The road was closed while both vehicles were recovered and reopened shortly after 9.30am. The ambulance service attended to assist one person who was reported to have sustained injuries.”

An ambulance also attended.