News

Health board meeting to focus on Withybush

Published

10 years ago

May 25, 2015

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will hold their next public board meeting in the grounds of Withybush Hospital, with a special focus on the Haverfordwest hospital.

It is part of the University Health Board’s new approach to holding Board meetings within hospital grounds – rotating across the area – whenever possible.Regular papers will be considered, but there will also be a particular focus on how healthcare services are being developed at Withybush Hospital, what the challenges are, and how members of staff feel about working at the hospital and its future. Following the meeting, Executive Directors will take a walk around the site to speak directly to staff and see care in action across the wards and departments that make up Pembrokeshire’s main hospital.

Chief Executive Steve Moore explained: “We acknowledge the real concern in the community for the future of Withybush Hospital – we heard it loud and clear at our recent engagement events. And for our staff too, they have been working in an environment where there have been particular challenges in recent months – from workforce shortages to periods of high patient activity and alongside service change. As a Board we take this extremely seriously and that is why we are coming to Withybush Hospital for our next meeting to really focus and see for ourselves what it is really like in the hospital.

“There is no doubt this Health Board is fully committed to the future of the hospital – on numerous occasions we have reiterated our commitment to maintaining a 24/7 Emergency Department at the site. But whilst we don’t underestimate the challenges, we do not believe those challenges to be insurmountable and we are taking action. This includes innovative recruitment campaigns and re-modelling of services and some clinical roles to ensure they attract high calibre candidates to the area.

“We are working with our staff and community groups to build what we all want – a secure and bright future for Withybush Hospital and the population it serves.”

Members of the public and staff are encouraged to attend the meeting, which is being held at 9.30am on Thursday (May 28) in the Conference Centre.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.