Proposal aims to ensure life-saving devices are available in every Pembrokeshire school

A COUNCILLOR has clarified that anyone is legally permitted to administer an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), commonly known as an EpiPen, in a medical emergency, following confusion during a recent debate at Pembrokeshire County Council.

Councillor Huw Murphy circulated guidance to colleagues after presenting a Notice of Motion calling for arrangements to be made with Hywel Dda University Health Board so that every school in Pembrokeshire can hold the potentially life-saving devices.

He pointed to changes made to medicines legislation in 2012, which broadened the law to allow any member of the public to administer adrenaline for the purpose of saving a life. Previously, the law required the person giving the injection to have received appropriate training.

Cllr Murphy said he had been aware of the legal position during the debate but was unable to reference the specific regulations at the time due to technical difficulties.

He thanked fellow councillors for supporting the motion in principle and said the estimated cost of around £14,000 to equip schools across the county would represent good value given the potential to prevent fatalities in emergency situations.

The councillor also suggested the Welsh Government may need to review its national policy on the storage and use of AAIs in local authority schools as awareness grows and demand increases.

If approved, the proposal would see discussions take place with health partners to develop a practical framework allowing schools to hold and use the devices safely.

Campaigners in west Wales accuse ministers of discrimination after Ombudsman findings rejected

WOMEN born in the 1950s across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are threatening legal action after the UK Government refused to pay compensation despite accepting maladministration in pension age communications.

The controversy follows a decision by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, to reject recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which had investigated delays in notifying women about increases to the State Pension age.

In a letter sent to all MPs on January 29, the Secretary of State accepted that government failings caused a 28-month delay in sending letters to affected women but concluded that compensation would not be appropriate. He argued that most women were already aware that the State Pension age was rising and that there was no direct financial loss caused by the delay.

The Government also cited the projected cost of a compensation scheme — estimated at up to £10.3 billion — as part of its reasoning.

However, campaigners say the decision is unlawful and discriminatory.

Jackie Gilderdale, organiser for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West 1950s Women of Wales, has written to local MP Henry Tufnell calling for the decision to be suspended and for independent mediation between ministers and campaign groups.

She said the Government had accepted wrongdoing but refused to remedy the consequences.

Campaigners argue that many women lost opportunities to plan financially for retirement due to the communication failures, particularly those with lower incomes, caring responsibilities or interrupted employment histories.

The letter claims the decision breaches equality law and administrative justice principles, and could be challenged through judicial review or other legal action.

It also raises concerns about consultation, alleging ministers relied on engagement with a single organisation representing only a small proportion of affected women rather than recognised campaign groups.

The dispute forms part of a long-running national controversy over pension age changes affecting women born in the 1950s, often associated with the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) movement.

The Ombudsman’s investigation, published in March 2024 after six years of work, found maladministration in the Department for Work and Pensions’ communication strategy and recommended a compensation framework.

While accepting fault, the Government maintains that the injustice threshold for compensation was not met.

Campaigners disagree, arguing that loss of opportunity — such as the chance to remain in work or adjust savings — constitutes a real and compensable harm.

A parliamentary petition calling for mediation between ministers and affected women has already attracted more than 60,000 signatures.

MUSIC lovers in Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy a special lunchtime concert at St Davids Cathedral later this month, with proceeds supporting the Paul Sartori Foundation’s hospice-at-home services.

The event, hosted by Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire, will take place on Saturday (Feb 21) at 1:00pm and will bring together local singing groups in the cathedral’s historic setting. The concert will also feature internationally renowned a cappella leader Deke Sharon.

Sharon, often described as the “godfather” of contemporary a cappella, is best known for his work on the hit Pitch Perfect films. His return to Pembrokeshire follows a successful workshop visit in late 2025 at the invitation of Pembrokeshire Pop Voices.

The local choir has chosen the Paul Sartori Foundation as one of its charities of the year and has been raising funds through a range of musical initiatives. Before Christmas, the group released a charity single titled Love the Bones of You, with proceeds helping to support hospice care across the county.

Supporters can contribute by streaming or downloading the song, or simply asking a smart speaker to play it — a small action organisers say can make a meaningful difference.

Further fundraising events are planned for the spring, including an evening of music and entertainment on Saturday (Mar 28) at 7:30pm at The Regency Hall in Saundersfoot. Pembrokeshire Pop Voices will be joined by Paul Sartori supporters The Slipway Ukes and local band Footbridge for a night of music, food and fundraising.

A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said the events highlight the power of music to bring communities together while supporting vital care services.

“These events are wonderful experiences for audiences and they also raise essential funds for our hospice-at-home services,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to groups such as Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, Totally Vocal Pembrokeshire and The Slipway Ukes for supporting care in our community.”

Anyone interested in organising a musical fundraiser or choosing the charity as their Charity of the Year can contact community fundraiser Rosie-Faye at [email protected].

Tickets for the St Davids Cathedral concert are available online via TicketSource, while tickets for the Saundersfoot event can be purchased through The Slipway Ukes or via the Paul Sartori Foundation website.