News

Welsh Government must ‘get a grip’ on NHS dental crisis says Crabb

Published

1 year ago

September 11, 2023

PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has once again been vocal about the lack of NHS dental care available in Wales under new Welsh Government imposed contracts.

Another local dental practice, ‘mydentist’ located in Quay Street, Haverfordwest has made the decision to return their NHS contracts to Hywel Dda University Health Board effective 30 November. This will mean that from 1 December ‘mydentist’ will no longer be providing NHS dental care for existing patients and will not be taking on any new NHS patients.

Many constituents continue to contact Mr Crabb worried about availability of dental appointments before the cut-off date, and the long term impact of reduced NHS services on dental hygiene in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Crabb has previously questioned the First Minister of Wales Mr Drakeford MS on this, and written to Health Minister Eluned Morgan, MS Minister for Health and Social Service regarding the poor provision of dental services in the region.

Commenting on the latest announcement, Preseli MP commented: “It is deeply concerning to hear the news that yet another dental surgery in Pembrokeshire will no longer be offering NHS appointments from 1 December. This is yet another example of Welsh Government dragging their feet on an important issue.”

“My inbox continues to fill up with emails from constituents who are anxious about how they are going to fund their dental work due to the lack of NHS provision locally.”

“Welsh Government must get a grip and address this before the problem deteriorates further and stop forcing patients into financial difficulty through promoting private dental care over NHS.”

Local Senedd Member Paul Davies has expressed his frustration over news.

He said that the news comes as a particular shock, given that the First Minister himself has said that over 17,000 more patients are receiving NHS dental care in the Health Board area and that the Welsh Government has made extra investment to ensure more people can access NHS dental services.

Mr Davies said, “It’s deeply disappointing to see more dental practices handing back their NHS contracts to the local Health Board and I know this will be a blow for patients. Access to NHS dental services has long been a problem in Pembrokeshire and yet, when challenged, the First Minister simply won’t acknowledge the severity of the problem and instead maintains the view that thousands more NHS dental appointments have been made available.”

He added, “I continue to receive a significant amount of correspondence from people across Pembrokeshire regarding dental services. Many are living in discomfort and pain and it’s simply not good enough. The Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board need to recognise that this is a crisis and redouble their efforts to attract dentists providing NHS care to the area.”

Business

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

Published

2 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

2 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

4 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.