Community

Care homes in west Wales to have contracts terminated

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2022

FOLLOWING significant concerns with their financial position, two care homes in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire will have their contracts terminated next month.

Residents at Plas Y Bryn Care home in Cwmgwili and Ridgeway Care home in Llawhaden are being supported to find new homes.

Work is continuing between Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC), Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), and Care Inspectorate Wales with the companies following concerns about the management of their finances.

Collaboratively, CCC, HDUHB and PCC have been providing financial support to ensure that the care companies can meet their financial obligations and that care is not impacted.

This has included bringing regular payments forward to enable the companies to pay staff salaries.

There have been continued attempts to work with the operators to understand their financial positions, without sufficient information being presented.

As a result, the councils and the health board have had to take the difficult decision to end their contracts with the care companies. The decision has not been taken lightly and we are aware of the significant implications that this will have on people both living and working at the care homes.

A variety of options have been considered, but unfortunately due to the legal and financial circumstances that surround the care companies, including the fact that they have been issued with a court order, there are no viable solutions that the councils or health board can offer at this time.

We would like to recognise and thank the staff within the care homes for their commitment to delivering high quality care and highlight that the quality of care has at no point been a contributing factor to this difficult decision.

Jonathan Griffiths, Director of Social Services at Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are continuing to work with the care provider to ensure residents at Ridgeway continue to receive the care and support they need.
“We have taken immediate action to support staff and residents at the home and are supporting families to find alternative, suitable accommodation.

“We are very proud of the excellent care the staff have provided and continue to provide to our residents, and greatly appreciate the very positive comments we receive from residents and their families.”

PCC, CCC and HDUHB do not believe that the care companies are able to resolve the issues and that this is likely to have a significant impact on people’s care and support.

In addition, CIW has issued an improvement notice to the care companies with a view to cancel their registration – and closure – should they fail to make the required improvements within a specified timeframe.

Ahead of contracts coming to an end, CCC, HDUHB and PCC will be working with people and their families over coming weeks to find new homes where they can receive the care and support that they require.

Wherever possible, we will do our best to ensure that people are supported to move to locations of their choosing, but are aware that this may not always be possible.

Residents are also being provided with access to advocacy services to support them through this difficult time.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board: “We know that receiving this news will be distressing for people and we are sorry that no other option is available, but we would like to offer reassurance that we will do everything we can to make sure that people are well looked after and are supported to find a new home as soon as possible

“We will also be working with staff to support them to find alternative employment, should they wish to do so.”

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact:
Pembrokeshire County Council – Provider Hub, on 01437 775775 or by e-mail on [email protected]

Community

St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

Published

11 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).

The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.

A legacy of faith and unity

St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.

Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:

“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”

These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.

A symbolic exchange

The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.

Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”

The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.

Community

Firefighters to rally against shift changes in Mid and West Wales

Published

17 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FIREFIGHTERS across Mid and West Wales are set to stage a rally in protest against changes to their working patterns, with concerns raised over the impact on work-life balance and mental wellbeing.

The demonstration, organised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), will take place at 9:30 am on Monday, March 24, 2025, outside the headquarters of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Lime Grove Avenue, Carmarthen.

The union has criticised senior management for pushing through a transition to 12-hour shifts, arguing that the change is being forced upon frontline staff without proper consultation. The FBU claims the new shift pattern will be particularly damaging to firefighters with caring responsibilities and could negatively affect both mental and physical health.

A spokesperson for the FBU said: “There is no justification for these changes. Senior managers are refusing to listen to the valid concerns of firefighters, who are already working in a high-pressure environment. This decision will make it even harder for them to balance their personal and professional lives.”

Around 80 firefighters are expected to attend the rally, with FBU officials also present. The event will provide opportunities for media coverage, including interviews, photographs, and filming.

The dispute over shift patterns comes amid wider concerns about resources and working conditions within fire services across Wales. The Herald understands that tensions have been growing between staff and management over what many see as a disregard for frontline workers’ welfare.

A response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been sought.

The rally is expected to draw significant attention, with firefighters standing united against what they see as an unjustified overhaul of their working hours.

Community

Lucky escape for sleeping showmen as fairground lorry catches fire

Published

19 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A FIRE broke out in the cab of an articulated lorry at Pembroke Fair in the early hours of Sunday (Mar 16), prompting a call-out for Pembroke Dock firefighters.

Showmen sleeping in their caravans at the Commons had a lucky escape when their generator truck caught fire in the middle of the night. By the time the alarm was raised, the vehicle was already well alight.

Thanks to the swift actions of those at the scene, the blaze did not spread to nearby caravans—a potentially deadly situation due to the presence of sleeping occupants and Calor Gas bottles used for heating and cooking.

The incident occurred near Commons Road, Pembroke, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) receiving the call at 2:42am.

A MAWWFRS spokesperson said: “The crew responded to a vehicle fire involving the cab of an articulated lorry.

“The main fire was out on the crew’s arrival, and firefighters used one hose reel jet to dampen down the area. A thermal imaging camera was deployed to check for remaining hot spots.

“Safety information and guidance were given to the vehicle’s driver.

“The crew left the scene at 3:18am.”

No injuries were reported.

(Pic: File image)