News
Top cancer doc quits
THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD can reveal that Dr Anne Barnes MBE has quit her post at Withybush Hospital following a dispute
with the Local Health Board.
Sources close to Ward 10 have told this newspaper that Dr Barnes, awarded the MBE for her services to cancer patients in Pembrokeshire, walked outlast Friday (Jan 30), having become frustrated with what she perceived as the Health Board’s failure to deliver on assurances given previously to her.
Dr Barnes had agreed to come out of retirement to ‘hold the fort’ at Withybush Hospital while the Board made permanent arrangements for specialist staff cover at the ward. It is understood that Dr Barnes became dissatisfied with the arrangements the Board had put in place and was not prepared to continue in the circumstances in which she found herself.
One current staff member told us: “I know that after all the reassurances that Ward 10 would remain dedicated to palliative care and cancer patients, it is now a general medical ward. This means that non-specialist consultants have control of patients’ admissions and treatment.” Dr Barnes told us: “When I put in my notice of retirement, the Health Board had made no successor arrangements.
They asked me to return to set up a full-time acute oncology service. I accepted the challenge to keep the service going. I was asked to extend my contract from December to the end of January. I said I was prepared to do so under certain conditions, which were not met. I went back to work last month to work to its end, but no progress was made.
I was left unable to admit patients and had no junior doctors to work with.” She continued: “I was asked to extend that contract beyond the end of January. I had no written contract. As I felt the Board was not giving me the facilities to provide a good standard service, I decided to leave. I told them on January 20 that I was leaving. The Board told me they wanted me to work notice of a month, but at that stage my fixed term contract ending December 31 was already over.
“Yesterday (Feb 4), I received a letter dated January 30, asking me to sign an extension to my contract!” Dr Barnes concluded: “I feel very upset about the situation. I wanted to try but my feeling is that I cannot come to an agreement with the Health Board that would enable me to deliver the level of service which I consider to be of an acceptable standard.
I prefer, therefore, to leave the service and hope that the Board is able to find a replacement.” Dr Sian Lewis Acute Services Clinical Director and Consultant in Haematology told The Herald: “Dr Barnes has this week withdrawn from the part-time post in oncology and palliative care. The service model introduced six months ago is unaffected by this and patients will continue to receive oncology, palliative care and chemotherapy services at Withybush Hospital, from a team of doctors and nurses, as they do now.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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