News

Hywel Dda’s decision to close St Davids Surgery sparks outrage

Published

4 months ago

July 25, 2024

Hywel Dda University Health Board has decided to close St Davids Surgery, leaving patients, especially the elderly with limited travel options, without access to local medical care. Nearly 3,000 patients in the UK’s smallest city are set to be transferred to other practices ahead of the surgery’s closure. St Davids will now be the only city in the UK without medical facilities.

The health board has resolved to relocate patients from the surgery in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, prior to its shutdown at the end of October. The decision follows the resignation of the practice’s sole GP, Dr Stephen Riley, who stepped down from the General Medical Services contract in April after failing to recruit new partners.

In June, 520 concerned residents attended an open day hosted by the health board to discuss the future of GP services, where a protest was staged. The overwhelming majority of the 2,728 patients, approximately 2,500, will be transferred to the surgery in Solva, which is managed by the health board. An additional 161 patients are expected to transfer to Fishguard, while 28 will go to the St Thomas’s practice in Haverfordwest and 26 to the town’s Winch Lane practice.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, informed a meeting on Thursday (Jul 25) that establishing a health board-managed surgery in St Davids would cost an extra £267,000 on top of the £586,000 annual cost of providing a GP service. Paterson noted that renaming the Solva practice could provide a sense of “ownership” for St Davids residents, suggesting the name “Peninsula Practice,” though final details remain undecided.

Neil Wooding, Chairman of the Health Board, stressed that the future of GP services in St Davids must be “affordable and sustainable.” The health board agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a branch surgery in St Davids, offering about 20 hours of nurse-led care and services such as phlebotomy and physiotherapy.

St Davids representative on Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Bethan Price said: “Obviously there is disappointment that the surgery is going. We will have a nurse led-practice in the city for 20-hours a week, but we do not know yet where this will be. There is concern about elderly and vulnerable people and transport, but at least we still have Solva surgery in the Peninsula.”

Senedd Member Paul Davies has condemned the health board’s decision, warning that relocating GP services could have devastating effects on patients, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who lack transport options. The board decided on 25th July 2024 to manage the dispersal of patients to surgeries in Solva, Fishguard, and Haverfordwest while continuing to develop a local branch surgery for limited services.

Davies stated, “I’m appalled that the Health Board has taken this decision. The Health Board is fully aware of the impact that this closure could have on patients, particularly those that are elderly, vulnerable, and have no means of transport to travel to a surgery further away. Whilst the Health Board has undertaken a consultation exercise, it’s clear that the views of patients haven’t been sufficiently addressed and many will have to travel further for vital treatment.”

He added, “It’s absolutely critical that the Welsh Government intervenes to support the local community. People living in St Davids should have access to GP services in their community, and the Welsh Government must now do everything possible to prevent this closure from happening. I will be raising this matter at the Senedd at the earliest opportunity.”

“For years, health services have been under threat across Pembrokeshire, which is fast becoming a blind spot for the Welsh Government and the Health Board. The people of Pembrokeshire deserve better, and we will keep fighting until this decision is overturned.”

In a detailed statement sent to the press on Thursday afternoon, Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care said: “We recognise the strength of feeling in the community and the value which the community attach to retaining services as locally as possible.

“While the Board has decided that the best option to secure stable and sustainable services is to transfer the patients to other neighbouring practices, the Board also recognised that a branch surgery should be established in St David’s to address the concerns of those patients transferring to Solva Surgery who are concerned about travelling for appointments.

“The vast majority of patients including all those living in St David’s will be transferred to Solva Surgery at the end of October.

“This represents an important step on the route to establishing a single Practice for the Peninsula, and reflects the ambition of the Peninsula Stakeholders Group which includes representatives from St David’s City Council and Solva and Llanrhian Community Councils.

“The Health Board is grateful for the ongoing contributions of local representatives and other stakeholders to the longer-term vision of a single Peninsula Practice for the wider community.

“We would like to thank Dr Stephen Riley and his team and for the care that they have provided over the years. We very much appreciate the continuing support given by the Community to the team at St David’s Surgery throughout this challenging period.”

Ms Paterson explained that a Panel met twice during the process to consider the available options, both before and after the engagement period.

“After carefully considering all feedback, the Panel supported a recommendation whereby patients of St David’s Surgery would be allocated to another GP practice closest to their home address,” Ms Paterson said.

“For the vast majority of patients this will mean transferring to the neighbouring Solva Surgery, which is a Health Board Managed Practice, with those patients living closer to Fishguard and Haverfordwest being allocated to practices at those locations.

“St David’s staff will be transferring over to Solva Surgery and we will be making internal alterations to the building to ensure it can accommodate the additional patients and staff.

“We feel that this solution will be achievable by the beginning of November when the contract terminates and would allow for a safe, sustainable and secure model to be established for the future.”

Ms Paterson continued: “We understand local people will want to know what the future of their GP services will look like, and we will be writing to all patients and stakeholders to inform them of the outcome and to share details and services for their new practice.”

Charity

Classic car events raise £2,335 for local hospice at home charity

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SINCE 2007, Pembroke resident Mal Powell has been bringing together classic car enthusiasts through annual events aimed at celebrating automotive history and supporting local charities. From May to August each year, Mal organises one to two classic car meets per month across various local venues, allowing car lovers to showcase their prized vehicles. The season culminates each September with a Classic Car Run from the Plough Inn, Sageston.

Each event welcomes donations from participants, with proceeds supporting local charities. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan. For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses.

Together with a small team of dedicated friends, Mal’s incredible efforts have raised around £100,000 for various charities, helping them to continue their vital work.

This year, Mal presented a donation of £2,335 to Sandra Dade, Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, along with volunteers Val Harrold and Mair Evans, and Trustee Phil Thompson. Reflecting on his motivation, Mal shared, “I love organising these events for such a good cause. While the classic vehicle events depend on the weather, we’ve only had to cancel one event over the years. The Paul Sartori Foundation is a wonderful charity that provides outstanding support to our community, and I believe it deserves 100% support.”

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator for the Paul Sartori Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions, saying, “Without the fantastic funds raised by Mal Powell and his friends who support these events, Paul Sartori would face a significant shortfall in reaching its fundraising targets; currently, our vital hospice at home services cost around £3,000 per day. We give our thanks to Mal and the classic car community for their continued and invaluable support.”

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home offers comprehensive services to individuals in the later stages of a life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loans, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services. These critical services empower people in their final stages to remain at home with dignity, independence, and comfort, surrounded by loved ones, should they wish. Available 24/7 and free of charge, the services are made possible through the generosity of people like Mal, the classic car groups, and the Pembrokeshire community.

Health

MP launches survey to tackle GP access issues

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MID AND SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has launched a survey to address growing concerns about access to healthcare and GP services in the county.

The survey aims to gather feedback from residents, which will be presented to the Health Board in the new year.

Mr Tufnell told The Herald: “I urge constituents to complete my survey and share their experiences with healthcare and GP access. I have been meeting with local GP practices and Health Board executives to discuss the challenges facing our community.

“Each response will be taken forward to the Health Board. My aim is to ensure patients’ concerns are heard, leading to better services for everyone. Pembrokeshire deserves and needs improved healthcare outcomes.”

The survey is live on the MP’s website and can also be accessed via his social media channels.

Survey link: Click here to participate

Contact details:
Joshua Beynon, 07802 761520, [email protected]

Henry Tufnell is the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

Farming

Sustainable farming scheme revamped following farmer feedback

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced significant updates to its Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), marking a key step in its efforts to balance agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity goals. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies revealed the revisions at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on Monday (Nov 25), pledging to deliver a scheme that meets farmers’ needs while addressing environmental commitments.

The updates follow extensive consultation with farming unions, environmental groups, and stakeholders such as the Ministerial Roundtable and the Carbon Sequestration Panel. Among the major changes are:

Streamlined Universal Actions: The number of Universal Actions has been reduced from 17 to 12, with revisions to 10 of these actions, making them more practical for farmers.
Tree Cover Requirement Adjusted: The minimum 10% tree cover rule has been replaced with a scheme-wide target. Farmers can now choose where and how many trees and hedges to plant under the Optional Layer.
Simplified Animal Health Action: A single Universal Action now covers animal health, welfare, and biosecurity, focusing on tailored veterinary advice.
Flexible Wash Station Requirement: Mandatory wash stations have moved to the Optional Layer, recognizing differing biosecurity needs across farms.
Social Value Payments: A new payment structure under the Universal Layer will reward farmers for the broader benefits their work brings to society.

The updated scheme retains the requirement for farmers to manage at least 10% of their land as habitats for biodiversity, with temporary habitat creation options under development to support diverse farming systems.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies highlighted the importance of working together: “Following the consultation, it was clear changes were needed—we said we would listen, and we’ve done just that.

“Farmers are central to our rural economy and food production. As stewards of the land, they have a critical role in protecting nature and tackling climate change.

“This revised outline reflects significant progress made in partnership with stakeholders. While much has been achieved, this is not the final scheme. Further discussions, economic analysis, and impact assessments will shape the final version, due next summer.”

The updates have been cautiously welcomed by industry leaders, who praised the consultation process but emphasized the need for further work.

Victoria Bond, CLA Wales Director:“This progress reflects the impact of stakeholders working constructively with the government. Today’s update demonstrates what can be achieved when our sector’s expertise is valued.”
Ian Rickman, FUW President:“We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage and believe we are in a better place as a result. However, this is just the beginning. We need a budget and payment methodology that delivers economic stability for family farms.”
Aled Jones, NFU Cymru President:“This is an important step forward. While much remains to be done, I am confident continued collaboration can help us achieve our ambitions for food, nature, and climate.”
Rachel Sharp, Wildlife Trusts Wales Director:“Farmers must be supported to create more woodland, ponds, and hedgerows. By increasing investment in the Optional and Collaborative tiers, we can address the climate and nature crises.”

The revised scheme will now undergo updated economic analysis and impact assessments, with payment rates and final details to be determined next summer.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential: “We’ve come a long way, and there is still more work to do. The final scheme will support rural communities, sustainable food production, and our climate goals for future generations.”

The Sustainable Farming Scheme aims to balance food production with climate and biodiversity commitments, supporting Welsh farmers in navigating the challenges of a changing world.