A NEW weekly clinical support service has been launched at Withybush Hospital to improve access to specialist palliative care advice for patients, families and carers across Pembrokeshire.

The service, run by the Paul Sartori Foundation, began in mid-June and is available every Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

It is based in the Hywel Dda University Health Board Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service hub, located just to the left of the main hospital entrance.

The drop-in service means people can speak directly with a member of the Paul Sartori clinical team without needing an appointment.

Support is available for families navigating palliative care, as well as those looking for practical advice, help sourcing equipment for use at home, or guidance for relatives and carers.

Visitors will be able to speak with Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Team Manager, who has extensive experience supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and those close to them.

Information resources will also be available for anyone who wishes to take materials away to share with family members.

The initiative forms part of the Paul Sartori Foundation’s wider commitment to delivering compassionate, community-based end-of-life care.

The charity’s clinical team works closely with healthcare partners to provide holistic support, including home-based care, specialist equipment provision and guidance tailored to the needs of patients and carers.

The Paul Sartori Foundation has thanked the team at Withybush Hospital for helping to facilitate the new advice service, which aims to ensure more people can access care and information in a welcoming and accessible setting.

A spokesperson said the new weekly presence reflects the Foundation’s ongoing mission to enhance quality of life, dignity and support for people living with life-limiting conditions across Pembrokeshire.

Anyone unable to visit the Paul Sartori team at Withybush Hospital can contact the Foundation directly on 01437 763223. A member of the team can help arrange an assessment and source the support required.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service supports people with a wide range of life-limiting conditions and is keen to dispel the belief that it is solely a cancer charity. Around 32% of those supported have a non-cancer diagnosis.

The charity operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, family members and friends, as well as healthcare professionals.

The service was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The Foundation was registered as a charity in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/28.

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Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Team Manager, at the Hywel Dda University Health Board Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service hub at Withybush Hospital, where information and advice is available for patients and their families.

Town council donation will support two of the town’s biggest community events, with further funding for Santa visit

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has presented a £6,000 donation to Milford Haven Round Table to help support this year’s Milford Haven Carnival and Free Fireworks Extravaganza.

The cheque was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor Mark Woodward, at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Thursday, June 25.

The donation was agreed at a meeting of the full council on Monday, June 8, in recognition of the work carried out by Milford Haven Round Table in organising major community events for the town.

A further £500 will also be donated to the Round Table for its annual support with the Visit of Santa to Milford Haven.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was proud to support the Round Table and hoped the strong relationship between the two organisations would continue for many years to come.

The council added: “Thank you all so very much for giving up your time to put these fabulous events together for our beloved town.”

THE PRINCE OF WALES has praised the lifesaving work of Wales Air Ambulance as the charity marked its 25th anniversary with a gala fundraiser.

The charity’s Royal Patron attended the special dinner at Celtic Manor, Newport, on Friday, June 26, joining volunteers, former patients, crew members, partners and supporters to celebrate a quarter of a century of emergency critical care across Wales.

Hosted by television and radio presenter Jason Mohammed, the event raised £180,000 for the charity, including more than £85,000 in sponsorship from corporate supporters.

Since its launch on St David’s Day in 2001, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a single aircraft operating limited hours into a nationwide, 24-hour service. Its crews now have access to four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles, delivering advanced hospital-standard care at roadsides, homes, mountainsides, coastlines and other emergency scenes.

The charity has attended more than 57,000 missions since it was founded.

Speaking at the event, the Prince paid tribute to the crews and supporters who have helped build the service.

He said: “For 25 years, Wales Air Ambulance has provided a vital service to people and communities across Wales. In life-threatening moments, its crews have brought advanced critical care directly to those in greatest need, offering help and hope.”

He also praised the charity’s international reputation and its focus on evidence-based care.

The Prince said: “Wales Air Ambulance has earned an international reputation for the service it delivers, and for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making that helps ensure the best possible care for the people of Wales.”

The evening also featured powerful patient stories, including an address from former patient Alan Owen, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing walking football in April 2022.

Alan was without a heartbeat for eight minutes before being revived by those around him. Wales Air Ambulance clinicians then provided advanced critical care at the scene, stabilising him and helping coordinate the onward treatment that saved his life.

Reflecting on his experience, Alan told guests: “There is no doubt in my mind that without the Wales Air Ambulance, I would not be standing here today.”

He also spoke about the lasting impact on families, describing loved ones as “co-survivors” whose trauma is different but no less real.

He added: “I have been given more time. Time with my family. Time that I would not have had without this charity.”

Wales Air Ambulance chief executive Dr Sue Barnes said the milestone was a moment to reflect on how far the service had come.

She said: “When the service launched in 2001, it was one aircraft. Today, it is a truly national service, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a transformation that has helped save countless lives and touched not just patients but their families.”

Dr Barnes said the charity’s development had only been possible because of public support across Wales.

She added: “The charity’s evolution is all the more remarkable because it is powered by a nation of just over three million people. A small country, with a huge heart. So, as we mark this milestone, we do so with pride and gratitude.

“For everyone who has given their time, expertise, commitment and support, thank you.

“This service belongs to the people of Wales. We are your air ambulance, and we exist because of you.”

The gala included fundraising activities and a live auction, with exclusive experiences and prizes donated in support of the charity.

The event was sponsored by Ascona Group, Gama Aviation, Bibado and Redkite Solicitors.

Wales Air Ambulance said the anniversary was not only a celebration of the past 25 years, but also a reminder of the continued need for support to ensure crews can reach more patients across Wales when they need help most.