News
October date for removal of paediatrics from hospital
AS REVEALED by the Pembrokeshire Herald in July, the scheduled transfer of inpatient paediatric services to Glangwili is to take place in October.
In August’s Stakeholder Briefing, the date of October 20 is the date the Board has proposed for the closure of inpatient paediatric services.
The Briefing states: “There is on-going work to agree the protocols, operational policies and workforce models for the new service. The changes are being made to ensure the University Health Board meet national safety standards and in response to workforce challenges in recruitment, maintenance of medical rotas, and clinical training requirements. The majority of children will continue to be assessed and cared for at Withybush Hospital through a new 12-hour paediatric ambulatory care unit, supported by a range of enhanced outpatient services. A 24/7 inpatient service will be provided from a single site at Glangwili Hospital, where there will also be a dedicated and newly refurbished paediatric high dependency unit.
“If a child requires a hospital assessment outside of the 12 hours opening at Withybush they will be referred directly to Glangwili Hospital by their GP and in emergencies, ambulances will take children directly to Glangwili Hospital. In addition to normal ambulance services, the dedicated transfer ambulance vehicle currently in operation for maternity, gynaecology and neonatal patients, will also serve paediatrics. The communications team is currently working on materials to explain the changes and these will be available for staff and the public at the earliest opportunity. There will also be an opportunity for staff to meet with senior managers to discuss the changes and to keep them informed of progress, in addition to feedback ongoing from nominated members of the sub groups.”
It is not clear how, if at all, this addresses the concerns of Dr Martin Simmonds, a Withybush paediatrician whose letter the Herald was the ONLY paper to publish in full. In that letter, Dr Simmonds wrote: “We can staff a 24-hour Paediatric unit at Withybush with recently secured middle grade staffing. No, tell them we demand a 24-hour service here such that we can admit a child overnight and discharge the next morning or administer phototherapy for the jaundiced baby from St Davids who must otherwise travel to Glangwili for admission. Tell them we can develop a specialist Paediatric nurse role in A&E but that it will take time.
“Tell them that unless we stop this process now, this winter will see greater challenges and upset than there needs to be, adversely affecting the health of families and staff both here and at Glangwili.”
The Board persisted with the line that concerns raised by clinicians would be addressed. It seems remarkably convenient that those concerns have been addressed in such a short period since the publication of Dr Simmonds letter, to fit the Board’s own revised timetable.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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