News

Trade union says health board’s proposed changes are inadequate

Published

8 years ago

July 20, 2018

UNISON has released its formal submission to Hywel Dda’s consultation and said the lack of detail of how and when new health services will be operational, has set communities against each other as they fight to protect their local accident and emergency services.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says it is struggling to recruit specialist staff and that “no change is not an option.”

It launched a consultation process, giving a number of options, all of which included the closure of the A&E Department at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

The trade union cited the board’s failure to properly consult the staff trade unions before the proposals appeared in the press, as one of the reasons the public distrusts the plans.

UNISON also suggested people are sceptical about reorganisation because previous restructuring of A&E and maternity services at Hywel Dda has not proved sustainable.

Jeff Baker, UNISON regional organiser, told The Herald: “Anyone working in the NHS would like to bring care closer to the public and Hywel Dda’s plans of community hubs are promising and ambitious.

“To convince the people to get behind change of this scale however, you need detailed information which considers every eventuality of how patients will be treated in the new system. That work has not been done. The public have every right to press Hywel Dda on what their future access to emergency care will look like and the staff need answers too. The trade unions haven’t been given the opportunity to meet with the board during the consultation period.

Nadia Probert, UNISON branch secretary, said:“Our submission presents a series of scenarios asking how those in ill-health, young and old and those in remote areas, will be able to access treatment. The health board must be able to answer these comprehensively. People need to know how services will be coordinated, developed and funded and how healthcare demand is calculated. Without this information, UNISON can’t support the proposals.

“We need to hear from Welsh government too. It must fully-fund the proposed changes, help the board with strategic advice and also give additional funding to local government to allow for the prompt release of patients into the community.”

Donna Hutton, UNISON Cymru Wales head of health said:“Other health boards in south Wales are also evaluating future service provision and it is absolutely essential the proper work is done at Hywel Dda and the staff trade unions provided with all the information they are seeking.”

Last month UNISON brought together local politicians and health campaigners together in an action committee to campaign on common concerns on the restructuring proposals.

The Health Board said that over the last twelve weeks they have heard from thousands of people about their plans to radically overhaul healthcare services “to ensure that they are safe, sustainable, accessible and kind for current and future generations”.

A spokesman said: “Each proposal that we have consulted on has been tested by our clinicians and members of the public were asked to provide their feedback in a multitude of different ways, which will be independently analysed and considered before any formal proposal is put before the Health Board later this year.”

Hywel Dda’s Chief Executive, Steve Moore, told The Herald: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Our Big NHS Change. This has been the biggest and most important public consultation ever undertaken on the future of healthcare services in west Wales and we recognise the strength of feeling and passion our local communities have for our local NHS, so I’m glad that many residents took part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, talking with us at our public drop-in or stakeholder events, or by providing feedback through a number of other ways throughout the 12 week period.

“The conversation that you have been involved in has been critical in terms of helping to challenge and shape our way of thinking. All of the questionnaires and feedback received will now be independently analysed by an external organisation, Opinion Research Services (ORS). We will hold further discussions with our clinicians, staff and stakeholders to consider this feedback to enable our clinicians to put forward their recommendation to the Board in September. We appreciate that some people are concerned about potential changes in our local health and care services, and we wish to reassure people that we will continue to provide regular updates so that everyone is informed on latest developments.”

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

13 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

17 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.