News

Charity calls for improved endoscopy services

Published

12 years ago

June 4, 2014

BOWEL CANCER UK, the charity determined to save lives by promoting early diagnosis and address inequalities in treatment and care, has released a report calling for improved endoscopy services in Wales for urgent testing of patients with suspected cancer. Nearly 16,000 men and women die of bowel cancer every year in the UK, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. In Wales, there were 2,354 new cases of bowel cancer in 2010 (most recent figures available, according to Cancer Research UK). The report, entitled ‘Diagnosing bowel cancer early: right test, right time’ highlights serious problems with endoscopy services in the UK, with referral criteria, waiting times and quality of services being the key issues. A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are the key diagnostic tests for bowel cancer. This new research from Bowel Cancer UK highlights delays in referral for diagnostic testing caused by overlyprescriptive guidelines; a lack of investment in endoscopy capacity by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which will fail to meet e demand and inconsistencies in the type of diagnostic test and quality of test available to patients in different parts of the UK. The current national guidelines for GPs on referral of urgent suspected cancer are restricted to those with ‘alarm’ or ‘high risk’ symptoms, such as rectal bleeding. Yet only half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer present with the ‘high risk’ symptoms that would qualify for an urgent referral. From the 708 responses from a national survey conducted in September 2013 among people with bowel cancer who had had an endoscopy, the Bowel Cancer UK report found that one in three people who had had an endoscopy had seen their GP more than three times before their referral. Of these, nearly half had a tumour detected. GPs can recommend patients have these tests with either a nonurgent or urgent referral. While the demand for endoscopies such as these is increasing, due to an ageing population and roll-out of screening programmes, the report forecasts a potential crisis as even more endoscopies are increasingly vital. Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, ‘We are calling for GP guidelines to be liberalised so that GPs can use their judgement and refer patients even when their symptoms do not point directly to bowel cancer. It’s a tragedy that more people are not referred for endoscopy sooner. After all, early diagnosis saves lives.’

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.