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Health board relocates Withybush Hospital outpatient appointments

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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].

Community

Manordeifi’s Got Talent returns to Abercych

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A COMMUNITY talent show with a difference is set to take place in Abercych Village Hall on Saturday, 14th June, as Manordeifi’s Got Talent 2025 brings together locals for an evening of entertainment and fundraising.

The event will feature performances of music, song, comedy, poetry and more, all contributed by members of the community. It promises to be a fun, social evening aimed at celebrating local creativity while raising funds for the Manordeifi Crisis Fund—a local initiative set up to support residents in times of emergency.

Last winter’s storms left many homes in the area without power for days, highlighting the need for better local resilience. Organisers say the fund is designed to help the community respond more effectively when the next crisis hits.

For more information or to get involved, contact [email protected].

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Crime

Milford Haven man avoids jail after breaching supervision order

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A MILFORD HAVEN man has avoided a custodial sentence after breaching the terms of a post-prison supervision order.

Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, was released from custody earlier this year following a 16-week sentence. As part of his release conditions, he was required to attend regular probation appointments until February 2026.

However, in February this year, Roberts failed to attend one of the scheduled meetings, prompting enforcement action.

He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week and pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the supervision requirements.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court that Roberts is the primary carer for his mother, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

“He’s a tremendous source of help to her and she is heavily reliant on him for day-to-day support,” said Mr Lloyd.

“He is now keen to comply fully with the order and re-engage with probation services.”

Magistrates imposed a £60 fine and ordered Roberts to pay £60 in probation enforcement costs.

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Crime

Man sentenced after drug-fuelled outburst left wife ‘embarrassed for her family’

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A HAVERFORDWEST man who subjected his wife to a torrent of verbal abuse during a drug-fuelled outburst has been sentenced by magistrates.

Michael Tomlin, 40, of Coronation Avenue, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week after previously pleading guilty to a string of offences.

The court heard how Tomlin’s behaviour spiralled after taking crack cocaine, nitrous oxide and amphetamine. His wife, speaking through a victim impact statement, described the effect of the incident on her family.

“This was the worst I’ve ever seen him,” she said. “It made me feel embarrassed for us as a family.”

Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court that police were called to the couple’s address following a disturbance.

“He called her a fat bitch, amongst other things,” he said. “As a result, he finds himself before the court today.”

Tomlin admitted the following offences: possession of crack cocaine; possession of nitrous oxide with intent to inhale; possession of 2.95 grams of amphetamine; using threatening and abusive language likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to his wife; failing to stop for a police officer on Back Lane, Haverfordwest; driving without insurance; driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence; and failing to attend a drugs assessment after testing positive for cocaine.

His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, said Tomlin was ready to turn his life around.

“There is another side to this defendant,” he said. “He’s a good father and wants to address his issues with the support of a Community Order.”

Magistrates sentenced Tomlin to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. A forfeiture and destruction order was made in relation to the drugs seized.

He was also ordered to pay a £134 court surcharge and £65 costs. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Sentencing, magistrates told Tomlin: “This is your last chance. You’re very fortunate that your wife has stood by you today. It’s important that you comply with probation. We don’t want to see you in this court again. We wish you luck.”

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