News

Adams: ‘We can move on from Bryn controversy’

Published

10 years ago

November 28, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Jamie Adams:
There is life
after Bryn

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD met with Independent Group leader Jamie Adams on Thursday (Oct 30). In an extensive interview with Herald Assistant Editor Jon Coles, the council Leader spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing Pembrokeshire and its council. The recurrent theme of the interview was the limit on what could be done in a time of long term uncertainty over the council’s future and the constraints placed on the council’s budget. Beginning with how he proposed to move on from the events of October 16, when following an impassioned debate councillors approved a six-figure settlement to be paid to their Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones, Councillor Adams said: “There has been a very different feel at County Hall the last few weeks. There has been a storm outside the Council the last few weeks, but there is a sense in itself that the Council is healing from within.

I have had more constructive and positive conversations with members of the opposition. In light of that, I am confident that the council can move on from the controversy involving the Chief Executive.” Looking at the question of the vacancy within his own Cabinet, Jamie Adams told us: “I made it clear when I appointed Alison Lee to Cabinet that I saw it as an opportunity to engage with the wider membership. I have two or three credible options to fill the vacant Cabinet post from both within and outside the Independent group.

I am quite relaxed about where that person comes from but I am determined to get the best person for the role.” The Herald then raised the sore point of the council’s response to the South Wales and West Wales Shoreline Management Plans and the future of Pembrokeshire’s coastal communities: “We are mindful that there are ongoing budget requirements within the council supported by the Welsh Government, but I am afraid funding is not following through. We do not have the capacity to deliver some of the solutions to deliver some of the solutions to protect those communities in peril from rising tides.

Acknowledging the challenge to the main link between Haverfordwest and Saint Davids, deemed unsustainable in even the short term, Cllr Adams said: “The A487 is going to be quite a challenge. We intended to use some of the coastline mitigation funds the council received after last winter’s storms towards resolving the infrastructure issue. But it took a long time to get it through the Welsh Government that this was an urgent requirement. We are going to need a wider consultation on the transport links to the Saint Davids Peninsula, as the current alternative route is proving too difficult for HGV’s and buses.

I am confident the Trunk Road Agency can help us. We have variable message signs on the A40 at Redstone Cross and if we can direct some of the HGV traffic from that point via Letterston then it might help us manage that process. But it is not a great solution, as once we put HGV’s on that road we encounter difficulties.” The problem with local government reorganization was also discussed, The Herald’s question was answered with one from Jamie Adams: “Will services cost less or will they improve?

If we cannot answer either one or both of thus positively, I do not see how we can justify change. I think that it is only the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay that supports Council mergers, the other parties reject it and I am aware of Labour MP’s who are sceptical.” On defending Pembrokeshire, Jamie Adams confirmed that his preferred outcome was no change to Pembrokeshire’s autonomy: “Pembrokeshire is distinct. The brand is strong and synonymous with being a brand of quality. You cannot day the same of other counties.

Pembrokeshire has particular qualities and a defined status that other counties do not.” Jamie Adams revealed that the ongoing public consultations about future services had given members of the Cabinet an insight into the issues that concerned the Pembrokeshire public: “I have to confess that I took part in one on Thursday (Oct 16) (the evening of the vote on Bryn Parry-Jones’ settlement) which was particularly challenging. It has been interesting that the matters which councillors think are important to the public are not always those that people find important.

There are occasions that there have been more robust exchanges between two members of the public with opposing views than there have been between my Cabinet colleagues and the same members of the public. “By and large what has come across clearly are concerns about senior officers’ pay and councillors’ remuneration. There is a commitment to look at the whole cost of senior management. “In terms of where we go, the opportunities to trim around the edges is no longer there, we are going to have to look more dispassionately at the services we provide and what communities can provide” The full interview can be seen online at pembrokeshireherald.com

Crime

Serving police office found not guilty of serious sexual assault

Published

6 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has today been found not guilty of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

DC Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division, has been suspended from duties since July 2023 when it was reported that he had committed an offence while off duty in December 2021.

He denied the offence, and a trial has been held this week. A jury has today returned a not guilty verdict.

DCC Ifan Charles said: “This was a serious allegation made against an individual whose job was to safeguard the people of Dyfed-Powys, and as such swift action was taken when the report was made.

“DC Garside was immediately suspended from duties while a full and thorough investigation was carried out, and today’s verdict brings the criminal justice process to a close.

“It should be noted that the force will now consider whether any formal action needs to be taken from a police officer misconduct perspective in accordance with the statutory framework.

“While the outcome of the criminal proceedings will clearly be of direct relevance to this assessment, it is important to point out this is an entirely separate consideration.

“DC Garside will remain suspended from duty whilst this assessment is undertaken and any potential return to work will be dependent on the outcome of that assessment”

Health

New hospital for west Wales faces delays due to funding issues

Published

8 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A LONG-PLANNED new hospital for west Wales faces significant delays due to funding challenges, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s chief executive, Phil Kloer, has revealed. Originally slated for completion by 2029, the project may now take at least a decade—or longer—to materialise.

The proposed hospital, intended to serve as part of a wider transformation of healthcare in the region, had two potential locations identified after extensive public consultation: St Clears and Whitland in Carmarthenshire. However, the rising cost of construction, driven by inflation, has forced the health board to revisit its strategy.

Rising costs and strategic reassessment

A report presented by the health board highlights that the estimated costs of the original strategy—outlined in a request for £1.3 billion from the Welsh Government—have surged significantly. The strategy aimed to overhaul healthcare services by developing community hubs, refreshing Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Hospital in Aberystwyth, repurposing Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest and Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, and constructing the new hospital.

***There have been protests over the years as Withybush was slowly downgraded, and people have been skeptical about the plans for a new hospital.***

***Where the Health Board says the new hospital is likely to be situated, and where existing hospitals are (Image: HDUHB)***

Acknowledging the impact of inflation and other factors, Mr. Kloer told a health board meeting: “It would be wrong to plough on with the same thinking.” He cited the effects of Covid-19, demographic shifts, and climate change as additional reasons to “refresh” the health board’s approach.

Phased implementation to manage costs

Executive Director of Strategy and Planning Lee Davies presented a paper indicating that while a phased implementation might increase the overall costs of the programme, it could make the project “more affordable for the Welsh Government” over time. The health board also acknowledged that reviewing the hospital’s location could be necessary, despite previous public consultations narrowing options to two shortlisted sites.

***There were protests in Cardiff ten years ago***, **in 2014** ***(Image: Herald)***

Financial struggles and politics compound challenges

The health board’s financial difficulties add another layer of complexity to the hospital’s future. At the same meeting, it was confirmed that the board is grappling with a £64 million deficit, despite delivering £32.4 million in savings.

The delay raises questions about the future configuration of health services in west Wales and underscores the financial and logistical hurdles facing ambitious infrastructure projects in the region.

The delays have reignited political tensions in June this year, with Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan (as she was then) laying blame on Conservative politicians for obstructing progress. During a Welsh Parliament session she accused the Conservatives of leading a campaign against a new hospital years ago, which she claimed delayed its construction.

Speaking in response to a question from Pembrokeshire’s Sam Kurtz MS about the ongoing delays, Baroness Morgan said: “If you [the Conservatives] hadn’t led a campaign against the West Wales hospital, it would’ve been up and running by now. The Conservatives must take their share of responsibility for the fact there is not already a West Wales hospital.”

Morgan’s remarks were met with sharp criticism from veteran campaigners and opposition politicians. Dr Chris Overton, a prominent campaigner for Withybush Hospital, called the comments “rubbish,” pointing out that the campaign to save services at Withybush Hospital drew support from across the political spectrum, including members of the Labour Party and non-affiliated community members.

“The reality,” Dr Overton said, “is that Labour has been in power in Wales for 25 years. They’ve had plenty of time to build this hospital. Instead, they’ve salami-sliced services at Withybush to the point where trust in their promises is completely eroded.”

At that time Plaid Cymru candidate Cris Tomos and Liberal Democrat candidate Alistair Cameron both called for greater clarity and transparency from the Welsh Government. Tomos emphasized the need for genuine consultation with communities, while Cameron pointed out that residents face uncertainty about accessing services during the decade-long delay.

Covid an issue

Executive Director of Strategy and Planning Lee Davies said: “The pandemic and subsequent programme delays have meant the timescale for delivery of the programme, in particular the new hospital network, is substantially longer than originally anticipated. It is now highly likely that the new hospital would not be operational for at least a decade.

“In accepting that a new hospital will not be operational in the near future, it follows that the key service changes unlocked through a new hospital will now need to be considered ahead of a new facility and within existing hospitals.”

“Work to support fragile services in the interim of a new hospital has already begun through a programme of work called the Clinical Services Plan.”

“Staff, including clinicians, working with stakeholders and patient representatives have reviewed issues and challenges faced, agreed minimum standards, and developed draft options for nine fragile services.

“The nine services are Critical Care, Emergency General Surgery, Stroke, Endoscopy, Radiology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Urology. They are services which need change and support to continue safely providing care in the medium term.”

Board agreed that the programme prepares for a public consultation to involve further staff and communities in this work. The scope and matters for a future consultation, including the options, will be prepared for the next Health Board meeting at the end of January 2025.

Lee Davies added: “In the absence of a new hospital in the south of our area to address challenges, we need to consider other options to bring together some of our services. We anticipate the emerging model, informed by work on the Clinical Services Plan, will seek to build on the strengths of each of the hospital sites in a way that builds complementary areas of expertise.”

News

Citizen sought for governance and Audit Committee role

Published

10 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is inviting applications for a citizen to serve as a Lay Member on its Governance and Audit Committee. This vital role contributes to the oversight and accountability of the council’s operations.

Committee responsibilities include:

Reviewing and scrutinising the council’s financial affairs.
Assessing and improving risk management, internal control, performance assessment, and corporate governance.
Making reports and recommendations to the council or relevant committees on the effectiveness of these systems.
Additional statutory functions.

Candidate requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of the audit process and a commitment to values such as accountability, probity, openness, independence, fairness, and sound financial management within the public sector.

Ineligibility criteria:
Individuals cannot apply if they:

Are currently a member or officer of any local authority.
Have served as a member or officer of any local authority within the last 12 months.
Are a spouse or civil partner of a member or officer of any local authority.

Appointment process
The successful candidate will be selected by a panel comprising an Independent Chair, three council members, and one community council member. An allowance will be provided for attendance at committee meetings.

Application details
Applications from all sections of the community are welcome. The closing date is 10 January 2025.

For a full role description and an application pack, contact Lydia Cheshire on 01437 775356 or via email at [email protected].