CONSTRUCTION work has started on a Haverfordwest scheme to provide sheltered housing apartments for the over-55s.

The Tŷ Haverfordia affordable housing and reablement development of 26 sheltered housing apartments for the over-55s alongside a dedicated 12-bed reablement centre to support residents returning home from hospital at the former Haverfordia House site, delivered by Wynne Construction, forms part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s “continued commitment to increasing high‑quality, accessible housing and deliver effective modern health and social care support across Pembrokeshire”.

Initial works began on January 26 and include securing the site, setting up a small compound and contractor parking area, installing controlled access for site personnel, and positioning temporary office and welfare units.

To maintain safe access to nearby facilities, including the GP surgery and Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, pedestrian routes through the area will remain open.

In addition, a minimum number of public parking spaces, including disabled bays, have been kept with Pay & Display machines relocated to reduce inconvenience.

In keeping the minimum number of parking spaces as well as needing to accommodate essential contractor welfare facilities, a small section of Rifleman Field has had to be used during the duration of the development of the site.

This space will be securely fenced off, and the footprint minimised. Any areas of Rifleman Field affected by the works will be fully reinstated on completion and restored to a condition that is equal to or better than at present.

To ensure residents and stakeholders are kept informed and have the opportunity to engage with the development, Pembrokeshire Housing Services will be hosting a Community Engagement Drop-in Event on Thursday, February 19, 5-7pm, at The Green Room, Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, said: “I am pleased that we have finally reached the stage of commencing on site and look forward to seeing the development progressing.

“We have been able to progress with the development after receiving much-needed Welsh Government grant assistance for both the reablement and housing parts of the development.”

Last year, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members approved awarding a fixed contract of £13,560,454.21 to C Wynne & Son for the Haverfordia House works.

In 2019, Cabinet backed the acquisition of the freehold of Haverfordia House, with the overall intention to deliver a new housing and wellbeing facility following its demolition.

A report for members at last year’s June meeting said: “As well as providing long-term residents with a sense of place and community, it will provide short-term reablement users with the facilities and in-house support which they need to relearn the skills required to keep them safe and independent when they return home.”

It said there was a need for one-bed properties, and a review of sheltered over 55 accommodation was undertaken in 2018-19 which identified that existing sheltered housing stock is “no longer fit for purpose”.

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.

A NEW national report has laid bare the growing pressures facing nurses and midwives in Wales, with concerns over pay, burnout and lack of professional development threatening the long-term future of the workforce.

The findings, published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in its Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery 2025 report, show that while many nurses remain deeply committed to their roles, large numbers feel undervalued, overstretched and reluctant to recommend the profession to others.

Responding to the report, Royal College of Nursing Wales said the data should act as a wake-up call for government and health boards.

Professor Sandy Harding, Associate Director of Nursing, Policy and Professional Development at RCN Wales, said:

“We welcome the determination and commitment shown by our existing nurses in Wales, with more than half surveyed saying they are satisfied with their day-to-day work and motivated by making a difference to people’s lives. However, the findings also present a stark reflection of the poor health of nursing in Wales.

“Too many nurses are not recommending the profession to others, are struggling and are facing abuse and discrimination in the workplace.”

Pay falling behind responsibility

One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is pay.

Nursing leaders say salaries have failed to keep pace with the growing complexity of the job, heavier caseloads and the rising cost of living, leaving many staff feeling undervalued and financially squeezed.

For some, the pressure is forcing difficult decisions about staying in the profession or reducing hours.

RCN Wales argues that without meaningful improvements to pay, recruitment and retention will continue to suffer, placing further strain on already stretched hospital wards, community services and care settings.

Training and career progression gaps

The report also highlights inconsistent access to continuing professional development, with many nurses struggling to secure protected time or funding for further training.

According to the union, this not only limits career progression but risks undermining patient care in the long term.

Harding said: “Access to protected time and funding for continuing professional development remains inconsistent, undermining both career progression and the sustainability of the workforce.

“RCN Wales believes this is unacceptable and we will continue to support nurses and fight for fair pay, meaningful investment in professional development and better working conditions across Wales.”

Commitment remains strong

Despite the challenges, the report does note strong dedication among nursing staff.

More than half of those surveyed said they were satisfied with their day-to-day work and remained motivated by the difference they make to patients’ lives.

Health leaders say that commitment is a strength the NHS in Wales cannot afford to lose.

With around 35,000 members in Wales, the Royal College of Nursing says it will continue pressing ministers to address what it describes as a “workforce crisis” before it deepens further.

The union is calling for fairer pay settlements, safer staffing levels and guaranteed investment in training to ensure nursing remains an attractive and sustainable career.