News
Over 5000 in fight for 24 hour paediatrics
AN ONLINE petition to bring back 24 hour paediatric services to Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest has gained over 5000 signatures in less than a week.
The change.org appeal, started by hospital campaigner Myles Bamford- Lewis, was launched on social media today and has received a ground-swell of support.
Myles said: “I am petitioning the Hywel Dda Health Board and Mark Drakeford, the Health Minister to return 24 hour paediatrics to Withybush. Back in August 2014 the Hywel Dda pushed through a policy of centralisation to Glangwili Hospital. This now means that there is no Special Care Baby Unit, no 24-hour children’s ward and no 24 hour antenatal care in Pembrokeshire.
He added: “This in itself has had a negative impact on health care in south west Wales with many families being forced to travel for over an hour to reach Glangwili. This has also caused a great deal of hardship on these families, myself included, as we have been forced to drive up to a 100 mile round trip to reach these services.”
In response to the start of the online petition, Chief Executive Steve Moore told The Herald: “We have heard ourselves in our public engagement meetings, and it is apparent from the support for this petition, that there is still a great deal of concern in Pembrokeshire about the changes to some women and children’s services that were made last year. At the same time, we have received very clear independent, advice from various Royal Colleges that clinical outcomes for patients have been maintained and there is better compliance with professional standards. A review said there was no clinical sense in reversing the service changes which we cannot ignore and we are not therefore pursuing plans to return overnight, inpatient paediatric services to Withybush Hospital.
“We are however, making changes to improve current services and patient experience, both at Withybush Hospital and Glangwili Hospital. At Withybush Hospital for example, we are planning to move the Paediatric Assessment Unit closer to the Emergency Department, as part of a wider scheme to re-develop the hospital. This would have the benefit of improving patient flow between the Emergency Department and assessment unit and provide the ability for enhanced support by the specialist paediatric team to emergency staff.
“At Glangwili Hospital we are progressing plans for the Phase Two project to improve the environment for women and children’s services and we will be using data from patient experience surveys and seeking views on these plans. In the interim period we have provided enhanced transport services for families between the two hospitals and we hope to soon provide improved accommodation for fathers and families who may wish to wait at Glangwili Hospital for their partners during early labour.”
To sign the petition follow the link on this website or on our Facebook page.
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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