News

“Significant failures” at Withybush Hospital led to 92 year old being discharged with fractured ribs and punctured lung

Published

10 years ago

August 4, 2016

withybushhosp AN INQUEST last Thursday (Jul 28) has concluded that there were “significant failures in the diagnosis and treatment” of 92 year old Dorothy Violet Mancey, of Kings Terrace, Newport, who was sent home from Withybush Hospital with fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a cannula in her arm.

On March 24, 2013, Mrs Mancey fell in her home and paramedics were told that she had pain on the right side of her chest, which lead to them identifying bruising and reddening.

Upon arrival at the hospital, she was examined by a triage nurse who prescribed her a blood thinner, warfarin. The on-call doctor recorded this prescription and requested to see x-rays of Mrs Mancey’s injuries.

She was referred to a senior colleague as the staff had trouble interpreting the results of these x-rays and was later discharged at 5:45am. Her records were updated to say that nothing abnormal had been found and she was prescribed diclofenac, which is an anti-inflammatory.

Her daughter, Cynthia Fells, accompanied her during her visit to the hospital.

The x-rays actually showed that Mrs Mancey had several rib fractures and a puncture of the lung – pneumothorax.

Once she had returned home, Mrs Fells realised that a cannula was still in her mother’s arm and the district nurse was called so it could be removed safely. The district nurse then told Mrs Mancey that it would not safe for her to take diclofenac as it should not be mixed with warfarin.

This lead to concerns that the x-ray had not been properly explained to the family and the district nurse contacted Mrs Mancey’s GP, who suggested she return to the hospital. The GP also looked at the x-rays herself and contacted the hospital to inform them she believed the x-rays had been misread and that the diclofenac prescription was not safe.

According to Mrs Fells, her mother refused to return to the hospital following her GP’s advice because of the poor treatment she had already received.

On April 3 the GP visited Mrs Mancey in her home where it was agreed that she should be admitted to the Parc y Llyn nursing home.

As her health worsened, she was re-admitted to Withybush Hospital on April 12. She died on April 23.

The solicitor for Hywel Dda University Health Board, Claire Rawle, said at the inquest that a full investigation into the care given to Mrs Mancey was carried out and all of the issues identified from her case had been acted upon, which included additional training to identify fractures and ensure patients are discharged correctly.

Maggie Hughes, the solicitor for Mrs Mancey’s family, said: “When Mrs Mancey was admitted it was hoped these measures would have been in place and been acted upon that night. What will give them some comfort is that these inactions are not repeated in the future.

Mandy Davies, Interim Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We wish to offer our sincere condolences to Ms Mancey’s family for their loss. We have formally responded to the family to unreservedly apologise for the failings in the Health Board’s treatment provided to Ms Mancey in 2013 and for the distress caused to her and her family.

“We have undertaken a thorough investigation which revealed shortcomings in our management of Ms Mancey’s care, and in the discharge process.

“We wish to reassure Ms Mancey’s family that we have taken this matter extremely seriously and took immediate action to address the issues, which include improvements to our discharge processes and a programme of training on the interpretation of x-rays for medical staff.”

Mark Layton, Coroner, concluded the inquest saying there had been “significant failures in the diagnosis and treatment” that Mrs Mancey had received.

He commented on the changes implemented by the health board, saying: “If this situation emerged today, it would have been addressed in a different way”

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

11 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

11 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

12 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.