News

MP invites Health Minister to Pembrokeshire

Published

6 years ago

September 28, 2018

FOLLOWING the announcement by Hywel Dda University Health Board about the future of Withybush Hospital, Preseli MP Stephen Crabb has invited the Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething to a meeting in Pembrokeshire to discuss the proposed restructuring of services.

The MP has requested the meeting so that the Minister can hear directly from people who will be affected by the changes and outline the Welsh Government’s ultimate intentions for hospital services in west Wales.

Stephen said: “The plan announced this week would lead to another round of dramatic changes to emergency care for the people of Pembrokeshire. There is widespread dismay and anger across the County that the decision to downgrade Withybush has been made over the heads of local people. More than 40,000 local people signed the petition to keep A&E at Withybush, the largest petition handed into the Senedd since 2007. Their voices have been ignored in this consultation.

“I am asking the Minister in Cardiff to meet with me and other local representatives in Pembrokeshire to discuss what happens next in relation to these proposals. The Health Board are asking Pembrokeshire people to accept the downgrading of Withybush Hospital with a promise of a new hospital facility to be built somewhere between Narberth and St Clears. Yet there has been no public announcement about what funding is available to deliver this or where precisely it would be built. These are decisions that require the active involvement of Welsh Government.

“The previous Health Minister Mark Drakeford refused to meet Pembrokeshire campaigners when maternity services were being downgraded. It is just not acceptable for Ministers to turn their backs on Pembrokeshire like this. For twelve years Withybush Hospital has been under a constant shadow of the repeated attempts to downgrade its status and move vital services east to Carmarthen. This situation has helped to create the very recruitment crisis that we are told is the fundamental reason behind the dramatic changes now being taken forward. I very much hope Mr Gething will come to Pembrokeshire and listen to local people about this extremely serious matter.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

18 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!