Community

Winter ops axe causes outrage

Published

11 years ago

October 28, 2013

HYWEL Dda Local Health Board announced controversial plans this week to make major cutbacks to winter services that will profoundly affect patients awaiting operations at Withybush Hospital.
The decision has enraged local politicians, as well as a leading union, along with scores of patients who will be adversely affected by these cuts.
In a press release issued on their web site, the Hywel Dda LHB said: “The Health Board has a responsibility to ensure continued safe care at this time of increased pressure, and is putting plans in place now to respond to the anticipated increase in activity over the winter season.
‘’In previous winters, we had up to 160 additional beds in place often being managed by temporary staff. This is not a position we can sustain this year. To address this, we propose to manage our bed stock and elective surgical lists in a better way during the busiest months this winter to ensure we have the staff capacity to manage emergencies and the most urgent patients.
‘’We would like to reassure patients that if they have an urgent clinical need they will be seen. Emergency and cancer procedures, the vast majority of orthopaedic day surgery and other elective procedures will also continue.”
The proposals announced by the Health Board state that the use of theatres will be for those with the highest clinical need and they will be reviewing and re-profiling patients on orthopaedic waiting lists, as well as increasing day surgery cases and maximising alternative methods of treatment through non-surgical pathways.
They further state they will monitor the position on a weekly basis and review that position towards the end of the winter surge. There will also be a non-emergency surgical shutdown for two weeks over Christmas.
One such patient awaiting surgery is Angela Burns, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM, who is highly critical of the proposals.
She told The Herald: “This shutdown will unfairly hit the elderly and vulnerable hardest, many of whom would have been waiting for months already. While conditions requiring orthopaedic surgery may not be life threatening, the constant pain, loss of mobility and pure daily effort to live with these conditions is immense.
‘’The thought of waiting another six months for my own knee replacement fills me with dread, and I know there are many, many more in far worse situations and far more pain than myself. I cannot begin to comprehend the feelings of some people who attend my surgeries to tell me that they cannot stand long enough to cook, and rely on ready meals alone.
‘’My heart goes out to these patients and their families and I will fight loudly and consistently against these plans. Labour’s record-breaking cuts and its failure to recruit staff are hampering hardworking staff and I urge ministers to put an end to these mistakes”.
The Health Service union, UNISON, reacted angrily to the Health Board plans and, Branch Chairperson, Wendy Evans, said: “The Health Board already has a waiting time of 15 months for patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery. This will clearly add at least another five to six months to their waiting time, causing further distress and possibly further complications to their condition”.
She went on to say that UNISON had immediately written to the Health Minister, Mr Mark Drakeford to complain about the decision. UNISON also suggested that, in staff meetings at Prince Philip Hospital of this week, the Orthopaedic consultant surgeons were also deeply critical of the plans.
UNISON Regional Organiser, Jeff Baker, said: “This is another example of the Health Board making a unilateral decision on service changes without properly consulting either the staff or the community.”
Liberal Democrat, William Powell, AM for Mid and West Wales, has called for clarity following UNISON’s claims, that all planned orthopaedic surgery for the four main hospitals in the Hywel Dda Health Board area have been cancelled until April 2014.
He said: “The Welsh Labour Government and local Health Boards seem surprised that winter comes around every year. Cold weather and snow can cause difficulties in the NHS but proper planning would ensure that patients are treated all year round.
‘’Many people who are waiting for orthopaedic surgery often have to endure months in pain. It is not right that they have to wait even longer because of the Welsh Labour Government’s incompetence. This is not an acceptable way to run a National Health Service”.
Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas, who sits on the all-party Finance Committee of the National Assembly, added his concern: “The scrapping of non-urgent surgery is bitterly disappointing for my constituents. It is disappointing that saving money comes before ensuring people get their operations, when the Welsh NHS has had extra money in their budgets this year.
‘’Earlier this year, Plaid Cymru highlighted the lack of action by Welsh Health Boards to recruit more doctors and more nurses from across the European Union.”
The Herald spoke exclusively to Pam O’Dare, one of the unfortunate patients who are likely to be told their wait for hip surgery is to be extended as a result of these cut backs.
She reacted angrily to what she sees as grim news: “I was under the impression my surgery would be in December or January. Now, it is likely to be put back to April 2014, and it might be a lot further on than that.
‘’I had a hip replacement four years ago and the surgeons were excellent, but the wait is very painful. The pain can be very bad and I am taking some very strong painkillers. I have a high pain threshold but this is unbearable. Why is it always about cut backs for patients?”
The Welsh Government appeared to have been caught on the hop by Hywel Dda LHB’s announcement. At questions in the Senedd, First Minister Carwyn Jones revealed he was given 24 hours’ notice of its content.
The Herald contacted the Welsh Government for further comment: “The Health Minister stated at a recent Health and Social Services Committee meeting that his expectation is for winter plans to be published by individual health boards, once they have been through clearance with their individual boards. We are writing to health boards confirming this expectation.”
Meanwhile, patients like Pam O’Dare and AM, Angela Burns, wait to find out what effect these proposals will have on an already lengthy waiting time.

Community

Community concerns grow after MOD’s ‘shambolic’ radar consultations

Published

2 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PROTESTS erupted at the Ministry of Defence’s public engagement events in Solva and St Davids on September 13 and 14, with demonstrators criticising the proceedings as disorganised and insufficient.

The campaign group, PARC Against DARC, formed in May to oppose the installation of US military DARC radars at Brawdy, orchestrated significant turnout. Demonstrators maintained a consistent presence at the events, while PARC also hosted ‘The People’s Exhibition’ outside the venues, displaying objections to the proposed 27-dish radar array intended to enhance US military capabilities in space.

Attendees were equipped with ‘NO RADAR’ signs and many questioned the MOD representatives at the PR events. A PARC spokesperson reported widespread dissatisfaction among the public, describing the sessions as “utter shambles” where attendees received vague and conflicting responses from supposed experts. Concerns were amplified by an MOD official’s comment likening standing next to the radar to “putting my head in a microwave.”

Errors in local place names on invitation leaflets and non-committal responses regarding the construction’s impact, including potential increases in local traffic, further fuelled local unrest. Questions about the visual impact of the radars on the landscape were met with dismissive or uncertain answers.

The London PR firm Cascade, responsible for organising the events, was criticised for their handling of the consultations, with accusations of failing to adhere to the National Principles of Public Engagement in Wales. The firm was also unclear about their future public engagement strategy, asking for feedback on methods to employ, which raised questions about their preparedness and commitment to genuine engagement.

Amid the criticisms, the Ministry of Defence emphasised the strategic importance of the DARC project, known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability. The initiative aims to secure long-term employment and enhance protection of essential satellite communication and navigation networks. According to the MOD, DARC will significantly benefit the AUKUS nations’ capacity to detect, track, and identify objects in deep space, thus bolstering safety and security in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.

Serious safety concerns were highlighted by unanswered questions regarding the radar’s radiation outputs and potential health implications, with nearly 4,000 studies cited by campaigners pointing to risks associated with high levels of radiofrequency radiation. Despite these concerns, the MOD withheld specific operational details, citing security reasons, with no assurance of public disclosure in future planning phases.

Further inquiries about necessary infrastructure upgrades, such as additional electricity pylons and the impact on local wildlife, were also left unanswered. The potential necessity for a new bypass road to support the project’s logistics was another point of contention, with community members doubting the feasibility of using current roads without significant disruption.

The MOD’s evasive responses have left many attendees dissatisfied, describing the consultation as rushed and confusing, with MOD representatives appearing defensive and at times dishonest. Critics argue that the MOD should replace Cascade with a Welsh organisation more in tune with local sentiment and capable of conducting thorough and transparent public engagement.

As the campaign against DARC intensifies, community members are encouraged to continue expressing their concerns and seeking accountability, with the aim of ensuring a more informed and considerate decision-making process by the MOD.

Community

Historic Milford Haven port beacon gets multi million pound refit

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A LIGHTHOUSE beacon that has guided more than a billion metric tons of shipping over six decades into the Port of Milford Haven has undergone a major refit.

The Mid Channel Rock lighthouse, bedded on an undersea reef and known by mariners as ‘the Pole’, has endured Atlantic storms for over nearly 60 years to warn ships of shallow rocks at the entrance to the Port of Milford Haven. In recent years it has also provided extensive weather and sea condition information to commercial and leisure sailors using the UK’s leading energy port.

The multi-million-pound project, led by engineers at the Port of Milford Haven, saw a 25 tonne steel sleeve lowered over the tower and strengthened with infill to reinforce the structure. One of the tripod legs that are drilled into the seabed to support the column was also reinforced and new electrical systems and weather monitoring equipment were fitted.

Shan McGarty, the Port’s Project Manager leading the scheme, explained: “This project has been long in the planning, taking several years to move from initial concept to completion due to the complexity of the task. Once works began they were delivered relatively swiftly despite the difficult working conditions we faced, including strong winds and heavy seas.”

“It is our job to ensure the safe navigation of these waters for everyone that uses them and that’s why an investment such as this is top of our priorities,” explained the Port of Milford Haven’s Harbourmaster, Mike Ryan. “Not only is the Mid Channel Rock lighthouse a highly visible mark for all, it’s also an essential part of our weather and sea monitoring systems helping us plan shipping movements,” he said.

“And for sailors coming from often heavy seas, this historic marker will continue to stand proud as a welcome to the sheltered harbour at the Port of Milford Haven for many years to come.” Mike added.

Community

Archbishop O’Toole announces new united archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a historic move for the local Catholic community in the region, Archbishop Mark O’Toole has announced the creation of the new Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia.

This decision, promulgated by Pope Francis today (Sept 12), coincides with the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, and signals a new chapter for Catholics in South Wales and Herefordshire.

The Archbishop expressed his deep gratitude to Pope Francis for his swift decision, interpreting it as a mark of confidence from the Vatican. The creation of the united archdiocese follows a series of Open Listening Sessions earlier this year, during which both clergy and laity discussed the potential merger. The announcement will be read in churches across the region over the weekend of 14th-15th September.

In his pastoral letter to the faithful, Archbishop O’Toole drew inspiration from the Virgin Mary, who he described as the “first missionary disciple.” He encouraged the community to follow her example of faith and service as they embark on this new journey. “We are called to continue walking together on the path of the Gospel, deepening our relationship with Jesus,” the Archbishop wrote, urging the faithful to embrace Christ’s mission through acts of service.

The Archbishop’s pastoral letter further reflected on Mary’s role in both the joyful and sorrowful moments of Christ’s life. He emphasised her presence on the Way of the Cross and her deep understanding of the human experience, urging the community to follow her example in their own lives by embracing both joy and sorrow with faith.

The decision to unite the dioceses also comes as the global Church prepares for the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Archbishop O’Toole noted that Mary was the first “Pilgrim of Hope,” bringing Jesus to others with openness and courage. He encouraged the faithful to seek Mary’s guidance in growing closer to Jesus and sharing His love with those who do not yet know Him.

In his letter, Archbishop O’Toole offered a prayer to Mary, asking for her intercession in helping the new Archdiocese live out its mission. He called on the community to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in today’s world, embodying Mary’s love and compassion for all, especially those in need.

The formation of the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia represents a significant moment in the history of the Church in the region, as it seeks to build on the legacy of both dioceses and move forward with renewed purpose and mission. Archbishop O’Toole’s message reflects a vision of unity and hope, urging the faithful to look to the future with courage, inspired by the example of the Virgin Mary.

In closing, Archbishop O’Toole asked for the prayers of the faithful, concluding with a heartfelt blessing for all.