Top News
Health board relocates Withybush Hospital outpatient appointments
OUTPATIENT consultations at Withybush Hospital, reduced due to the discovery of faulty Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) planks, will restart in alternative locations throughout Pembrokeshire.
RAAC is a material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings between the 1960s and 1990s.
Hywel Dda University Health Board closed the Outpatients A building at the Haverfordwest Hospital to complete essential survey work, resulting in a 50% reduction in appointments.
While all efforts have been made to keep disruption to a minimum, many outpatient services were relocated throughout the health board area. At the same time, the hospital’s management team worked to find suitable accommodation within Pembrokeshire.
All Outpatient services affected by the RAAC work have found new, albeit temporary, homes until the building is ready to accept patients again, but this is not expected until Summer 2024.
Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Operations, Andrew Carruthers, said: “We’re pleased that outpatient services have been relocated so quickly while we work to repair the RAAC-affected outpatients’ clinical areas in Withybush.
“We know that the survey work and remedial action has caused considerable disruption and concern among members of our community, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“The health board would like to thank hospital staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding over the last months while we carried out this essential work.”
Although three wards are expected to re-open by Christmas, work will continue over this and the next financial years to address the critical and high-risk planks. All affected wards are expected to be re-opened by April 2024, while remedial work on the ground floor will continue into the next financial year (April 2025).
Mr Carruthers said that the health board would write to patients to confirm the date, time and location of appointments or ring patients whose appointments are imminent.
“We urge everybody to read the appointment letter carefully and note any change of venue, as appointments previously held at Withybush Hospital may now be held at a Community Healthcare site.
“Please leave plenty of time for your journey, as parking is limited at some locations.”
Patients should note a reduced phlebotomy capacity at Withybush Hospital and are asked not to attend the Phlebotomy Room without an appointment. Appointments can be requested by telephoning 01437 772433.
Unfortunately, due to the Phlebotomy Room being closed at certain times, patients may be unable to have their blood taken on the same day as their appointment. They may need to make a further appointment to attend on another day.
Patients are being urged to use their own transport or to take public transport to reach appointments when possible. If they cannot, patients can access transport support by calling 0300 1232 303.
If patients have any concerns or need further information, please contact the Waiting List Support Service by telephone on 0300 303 8322 and choose option 3 or e-mail [email protected].
Crime
Labour Crime Commissioner candidate gets most votes in Pembrokeshire
The Pembrokeshire declaration of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner election just has been made by Deputy Returning Officer Steven Richards-Downes.
The results in Pembrokeshire are Justin Mark Griffiths (Lib Dem) 1,209; Ian Harrison 5,168 (Con); Dafydd Llywelyn 4,643 (Plaid) and Philippa Thompson (Lab) 5,386.
Therefore Philippa Thompson, of Labour, has had the most votes in Pembrokeshire.
Votes are also being counted in Powys, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Once all the votes are in we will know who is elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys Police.
Before the election Philippa Thompson told this newspaper: “There’s a huge crisis in funding for policing and public services. The Conservative Westminster Government has so much to answer for having destroyed our country’s economy. Labour believes security is the bedrock on which opportunities are built, communities thrive, and local economies prosper.
“Instead of standing up for security, the Tories have done the opposite. This wasn’t an accident – it was the result of deliberate choices. A choice to cut police from our streets, a choice to undermine respect for the rule of law. Our communities cannot afford more of the same. Things have got to change.
“Labour will be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.”
News
Opportunity to request changes to the 20mph limits in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire County Council is opening up an opportunity for residents to request changes to 20mph limits in their locality.
The move follows a speech outlining his transport priorities by new Transport Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates, who pledged to put the voice of Welsh citizens at the heart of decision making on transport, while setting out a three-phase plan on 20mph.
To aid this approach Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes constructive views from residents.
If you wish to forward a suggestion, with valid reasons, for why a road should be exempted from the 20mph national speed limit in Pembrokeshire, the Council will log your feedback and review it once new exceptions guidance is available from the Welsh Government. The Council expects to receive this guidance by the summer.
The Council will not be able to log any general comments about the 20mph National Policy, as that is a matter for the Welsh Government and Welsh Government Ministers.
If your feedback relates to a Trunk Road, these also are not the responsibility of Local Authorities. For queries relating to Trunk Roads please email [email protected].
More information on Trunk Roads is available on Datamap Wales.
Please note, for your feedback to be recorded/considered we will require the first line of your address and post code.
This will assist Council officers during the review process to ensure that requests for change are made by those who reside within the same area / community for which the request is being made.
Please ensure all the required details are forwarded to the following email account for consideration:
Charity
RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend
THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.
The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.
RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:
- In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
- In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
- In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay
Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.
‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white
chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.
‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.
‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’
After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.
In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.
In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.
Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.
‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.
‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’
RNLI Float to Live advice:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands around to help you stay afloat
- It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Spread your arms and legs to improve stability
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches – Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)
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