News
Dental service nothing to smile about
HYWEL DDA UHB has confirmed that investments will be made into the provision of NHS dental care in South Pembrokeshire after it was revealed that the region had ‘the lowest amount of contracted dental activity in the whole Health Board area.
Data provided by Hywel Dda showed that only three of 51 dental practices with the Health Board across an area which corresponds with Dyfed are in this area – Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, and Narberth.
NHS dental provision is measured in units of dental activity (UDAs). Of the 516,306 UDAs delivered across the health board area, just 17,224 were in south Pembrokeshire – and area with a population of 55,188 according to figures based on GP registration. This gives an average of 0.31 UDAs per resident.
In contrast, North Pembrokeshire, which has a population of 63,127, delivered 104,352 UDAs, at an average of 1.65 per head of population. In other words, there is more than FIVE TIMES the NHS dental provision in the north of the county compared to the south.
Across Carmarthenshire, the average was around 1.5 UDAs per head. Nowhere in the Hywel Dda health board area had less than 3.5 times the number of UDAs of South Pembrokeshire.
Joyce Watson, Labour AM for Mid and West Wales, raised complaints made to her by constituents concerning dental provision with Hywel Dda UHB.
In a letter to Ms Watson, Hywel Dda confirmed that the south of the county ‘has the lowest amount of contracted dental activity in the whole Health Board area’.
However, the response went on to say: “I am pleased to advise, the Health Board has commenced a Commissioning / Tender process, to seek GDS providers in South Pembrokeshire. This will result in an additional £340,000 investment in into GDS in South Pembrokeshire.
“It is our expectation the new services will commence in December 2015 or Jan 2016 either from new NHS Practices, or by way of additional activity in current NHS Practices.”
Ms Watson welcomed the news: “The health board has recognised that there aren’t enough NHS dental services in the area; but from the end of this year or the beginning of next year there will be more money for more services, which is very good news for patients,” she said.
“I look forward to learning where and when the new services will be available.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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