News

New heath boss completes ‘induction day’

Published

10 years ago

January 21, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Getting to know you: Stephen
Moore of the NHS

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s new Chief Executive got to know the organisation and its staff a little better as he took part in an Induction Day with fellow new starters on Monday 5 January, the organisation has said. Steve Moore was recently appointed to the post following a career largely based within the NHS, much of it in rural areas. He experience includes an appointment as Chief Executive of the both Cornwall and Devon Primary Care Trust clusters, and Consulting Director for Health and Social Care Policy for ICF International.

On his first day in post, Mr Moore and all other induction attendees had an opportunity to learn more about the NHS in Wales; the structure and useful internal processes in the UHB; as well as specialist sessions on issues such as patient experience, practical basic emergency first aid and the Welsh language.

“I was fortunate to meet some fellow new starters yesterday, which was a great opportunity as they will take up posts in various locations across the University Health Board in a number of different professions and I hope to stay in touch with them,” said Mr Moore. “It will take me a little longer to get round our entire 10,000 staff and geographical area – but I do have and look forward to visits to our wards and community services scheduled in the coming weeks.”

Mr Moore paid tribute to local NHS staff and stressed his intention to work closely with them as well as with patients, the general public and stakeholders, in a welcome bulletin to staff. “The NHS is built by the staff who deliver it for people who need help and I believe it is my job, and that of the Board, to support the front line to be as good as it can be for our patients,” he said.

“To do this, we need strong and effective clinical engagement – allowing our clinicians to drive and develop the services that they deliver every day. We also need a strong and honest relationship with the public. There are challenges that we need to share with them – our current financial position is testament to that – as our patients are our most important stakeholders in the NHS.

“We cannot ignore changes in clinical practice, or the effect of an ageing population, and must look at new and creative ways of working if we are to protect our ability to deliver great care. I understand the importance of delivering as much care locally as it is safe to do so, having worked in rural counties for much of my NHS career. I am delighted to be here in Wales – such a beautiful country – and I’m looking forward to getting to know it and the people better.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.