News

Withybush takes part in emergency exercise

Published

9 years ago

August 19, 2016

Emergency exercise: Testing skills under pressure

MEDICS based at Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest have taken part in a multi-agency simulation aimed at testing their clinical skills under pressure.

Dr Antony Mathew, an Emergency Department (ED) consultant at Withybush, led a team of ED and anaesthesia doctors and nurses during the exercise, which saw them working alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru) critical care team.

The challenging scenario tested their skills in dealing with a ‘patient’ with a life-threatening head injury, who required life-saving resuscitation and time-critical transfer to University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, for neurosurgical care.

The aim of the exercise – which took place within the Withybush Clinical Skills Lab – was to reinforce EMRTS Cymru’s aim of developing an innovative healthcare culture, leading to more efficient teamwork, and improved clinical care for the most critically ill and injured patients across Wales.

Dr Mathew said: “It’s really important for us to be able to take part in exercises like these which help to improve the way we work within various hospital teams, and with retrieval services like EMRTS. It also helps us to understand the capabilities of EMRTS as well.”

With support from Medical Illustrator Steve Atherton, the training was recorded to allow medics to review real-time clinical handovers, resuscitation and retrieval processes using video playback. A debriefing session was subsequently led by Dr James Chinery, from EMRTS Cymru, in the emergency department.

Dr Chinery said: “As well as the emergency medical services we provide, EMRTS Cymru also aims to play an important role in supporting education and training in critical care across Wales.

“Working on a ‘live’ simulation with colleagues from Withybush and the Welsh Ambulance Service offered valuable realistic training which will enhance the skills and knowledge of everyone who took part. This will undoubtedly benefit the people of Wales and the quality of treatment that they receive.”

This is the third Insitu-Sim engagement event between EMRTS Cymru, WAST and NHS Wales. In the coming months, visits to Bronglais, Bangor, Rhyl and Bridgend are being actively planned.

Launched in April 2015, EMRTS Cymru provides pioneering emergency medical care across Wales. This includes pre-hospital critical care and time-critical transfers for all age groups. The Service is made up of consultants and CCPs (paramedics and nurses) who are able to deliver innovative emergency treatments previously not available outside of a hospital environment. The EMRTS medics travel on board the Wales Air Ambulance Charity helicopters and in a fleet of Rapid Response Vehicles which enable them to reach the scene of a medical emergency as fast as possible.

Dorian James, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Locality Manager for Pembrokeshire, said: “While the exercise might look and feel very dramatic, the reality is that our crews and fellow clinicians encounter scenarios like this every day, all over Wales.

“These exercises are designed to strengthen inter-agency working and enable colleagues to deliver the best possible care to those who are unfortunate enough to need it. It also gives each agency a snapshot of one other’s capabilities and more importantly gives us all the chance to work together in a real environment.”

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

22 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.