News

Paul Sartori: ‘We want all cancer patients on Ward 10’

Published

11 years ago

September 29, 2014

withybushhosp-5464760 The Paul Sartori Foundation has given a cautious welcome to the statement released by the Hywel Dda Health Board but have expressed concerns.

“We welcome the assurance from the Health Board that Ward 10 is not to close. However, we are concerned that there does not seem to be any explicit commitment to placing all cancer patients on Ward 10. Paul Sartori would also like to have an assurance that all patients requiring specialist palliative care – not all of whom have cancer – will also be accommodated on Ward 10.

Paul Sartori’s Clinical Service Manager, Sophie Thomas, told The Herald: “In the 36 years I have been nursing, the level of specialist skills and knowledge required has increased enormously. At the same time, patient expectation has also increased. It is simply not reasonable to expect the nursing staff on a respiratory, cardiac or general medical ward to maintain the level of knowledge required to provide effective care to cancer and palliative care patients. Patients need information and support to help them make difficult and complex decisions, as well as skilled physical nursing care.”

“Pembrokeshire is fortunate to have a skilled and experienced team of highly committed nurses and healthcare assistants on Ward 10. The lack of oncology and palliative care medical staff makes it more important than ever that we use the Ward 10 team effectively. Preserving Ward 10 as specialist cancer, haematology and palliative care ward will also help the county’s other providers of specialist cancer and palliative care support, such as PSF, to focus their attention where it is most needed.”

“Pembrokeshire does not have hospice inpatient beds, specialist palliative care outpatient clinics or any palliative care medical staff. But we do have some excellent cancer and palliative care nurses. We need to make the most of them.”

The Foundation is also pleased to hear that the Health Board is looking at ways of attracting more candidates to the post of Consultant in Specialist Palliative Care, and hopes to be able to contribute its ideas to these discussions.

Sophie Thomas said: “There are plenty of good things to say about palliative care in Pembrokeshire. More people in Pembrokeshire die in their usual place of residence than anywhere else in Wales. I think this is a reflection of good primary care services, care homes that are keen to go the extra mile to keep people where they want to be, and the high level of input the Paul Sartori Foundation can provide thanks to the unstinting support of the Pembrokeshire people.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.