Health board to consult patients over proposed permanent closure of nurse-led service at Shalom House

A NURSE-LED branch surgery in St Davids could be forced to close temporarily from the end of September after the building from which it operates was put up for auction.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has also confirmed that Meddygfa Penrhyn has submitted a formal application seeking the permanent closure of its branch surgery at Shalom House.

The practice applied to close the service in February, citing staffing difficulties and concerns about its long-term sustainability.

However, no final decision has been made, and the health board said patients, residents, staff and other stakeholders will be given an opportunity to express their views before the application is determined.

The situation has become more urgent after the trustees of Shalom House informed the health board that they intend to auction the premises.

The building will no longer be available for use as a surgery from the end of September 2026, meaning the branch could temporarily close while consultation takes place and alternative arrangements are considered.

Health officials stressed that the loss of the building would not automatically mean the permanent closure application would be approved.

The branch surgery opened in November 2024 and operates on weekday mornings. It is staffed by nurses and primarily provides services including blood tests and wound care.

Patients requiring a GP appointment currently travel to the main Meddygfa Penrhyn surgery, around three-and-a-half miles away.

The health board is drawing up an engagement plan with patient representative body Llais and the Local Medical Committee before formally seeking the views of the community.

Andrew Carruthers, chief operating officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the organisation recognised the importance of accessible local healthcare.

He said: “We understand that residents may have questions about what recent developments mean for the future of the branch surgery.

“Our focus is on working hand-in-hand with our community to explore how we can ensure local health provision that keeps people well.

“We are keen to work with local stakeholders, including the Penrhyn Peninsula Working Group, to enable us to have a broader conversation about the future of our branch surgery and how it serves everyone in the area.”

Mr Carruthers said the health board was committed to hearing from as many people as possible before reaching a decision.

He added: “At this stage, no decision has been made regarding the closure application.

“We are committed to engaging with patients, residents and stakeholders to understand the potential impact of the proposal and to ensure that all views are considered as part of the decision-making process.

“Although we have been advised that Shalom House will no longer be available from the end of September, this does not predetermine the outcome of the branch surgery closure application.”

A final decision will take into account public feedback, evidence of local demand and the potential effect on patients.

Details of the consultation, including how residents can submit their views, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Recognition secured for second consecutive year as women now hold 42% of management roles at the Port

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has been named among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women for the second year running.

The organisation has been placed within the top 100 large employers on the 2026 list, compiled by workplace culture body Great Place To Work UK.

The recognition is based largely on feedback from female employees, who highlighted flexible working, access to time off, employee benefits and the Port’s approach to safety and sustainability.

The Port said its position on the national list had improved by 45 per cent compared with last year.

One employee said: “The flexibility I’m given and the freedom to bring my own ideas make me feel valued and trusted.

“Being part of the Port is something I’m genuinely proud of, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to grow and build my career here.”

Another praised the organisation’s support for work-life balance and mental health.

Women currently make up 31 per cent of the Port’s overall workforce and 42 per cent of employees in management positions.

The Port said this compared favourably with the wider ports sector, where women account for an average of 19 per cent of the workforce and 23 per cent of managerial roles.

HR director Vidette Swales said the organisation was proud to have retained the recognition.

She said: “We are incredibly proud to be a workplace where women can thrive, develop their careers and bring their whole selves to work.

“Creating an inclusive culture is not just the right thing to do. It strengthens our organisation by ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, valued and reflected in everything we do.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for growth, supporting work-life balance and fostering an environment where women feel empowered to succeed at every stage of their careers.”

Port employees are also involved in Pembrokeshire’s SPARC initiative, which was established in 2023 to introduce secondary school pupils to career opportunities in industries where women have traditionally been underrepresented.

Its activities focus particularly on careers within the maritime and energy sectors.

Ms Swales added: “Our staff are proud to be involved in the SPARC initiative, engaging with girls in secondary schools through a range of activities and raising awareness of the opportunities available.”

Benedict Gautrey, managing director of Great Place To Work UK, said the organisations included on the list were making a difference to employees’ everyday working lives.

He said: “What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued and able to grow.

“Congratulations to the Port of Milford Haven for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.”

The Port retained its Great Place to Work accreditation for a third consecutive year at the end of 2025.

Photo caption: Female employees from across the Port of Milford Haven celebrate the organisation’s inclusion among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women for a second year.

FIFTEEN young chess players put their skills to the test when Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomed visitors from Castell Nedd to Steynton for their annual summer fixture.

The match, held on Tuesday, July 21, saw players compete across four rounds, with each given 20 minutes on the clock.

Despite the start of the school holidays, the Royal Welsh Show and several late absences, organisers were delighted with the turnout and the high standard of chess on display.

The games were closely contested, particularly on the leading boards, with several decided by only the smallest of margins. Coaches said one of the main lessons from the day was the importance of taking time to consider each move rather than rushing.

Castell Nedd’s Advik Ram produced an impressive unbeaten performance. Pembrokeshire’s Harry Harling held him to a draw in one game before narrowly losing a second encounter during a tightly fought endgame.

Aarush Ram and Jakob Josh-Wright also performed strongly for the visitors.

For Pembrokeshire, Henry Malone and Emily Thomas each secured three points. Jozef Othen and Osian Griffiths collected two-and-a-half points apiece, while Sebastian Kummer finished with two points.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club said it was encouraging to see the standard of play continuing to improve each year and thanked Castell Nedd for making the journey west, with special thanks to Hywel Griffiths for helping to organise the visit.

Home advantage once again proved important, although the club said the greatest benefit was the opportunity for every player to gain experience against new opponents.

Pembrokeshire also recently played a friendly against the newly reformed Narberth Chess Club, giving its adult and junior members an opportunity to compete against different players. A return visit to Steynton is now being planned.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club, which has changed its name during its history, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formation.

The club will resume its regular meetings ahead of the new season in September. It welcomes adults and juniors of all abilities, from complete beginners to players interested in friendly or competitive matches.

Anyone interested in joining can message the Pembrokeshire Chess Club Facebook page or contact Martin Jones on 07884 384131.

Pembrokeshire team: Harry Harling, Jozef Othen, Sebastian Kummer, Osian Griffiths, Emily Thomas and Henry Malone.

Castell Nedd team: Advik Ram, Aarush Ram, Jakob Josh-Wright, Virat Nagari, William O’Connor, Oscar Purcell, Ethan Tirukoti, Misha Nigari and Cae Aubrey.