News

Equality agenda challenged

Published

10 years ago

June 27, 2014

A PEMBROKE health campaigner has been told by the Local Health Board that the effect of service changes on mums and babies was not assessed before it embarked on its plans to cut services at Withybush Hospital.

Lyn Neville was told that the Health Board had sought external advice and decided instead that it was necessary only to assess the impact “during the planning and development stages of service change and that mitigation of potential negative impacts would need to be identified as the model of care was developed.” Lyn Neville told the Herald: “Mark Drakeford claims that there is no indication that there will be a difference in impact upon protected groups, such as expectant mothers and babies. Even the Health Board notes that negative impacts will be felt for any additional transfers, increased travel times: with potential impact on the elderly, disabled, young people and families and low income households.” The document the Health Board directed Lyn to goes on to claim that Health Board will provide care in the community and “by providing tangible solutions to improving transport.” Peter Milewski, retired consultant surgeon told the Herald: “Recent meetings with ambulance personnel have revealed no robust plan in place. Even an official board Risk Management group have acknowledged the ‘need to push back on the change from August 1st … cannot be accomplished’. Obviously there is no recognizable “safety net” in place, and we find ourselves wondering will there ever be?” As the Pembrokeshire Herald revealed two weeks ago, the “tangible improvement” for expectant mums at Withybush is scheduled to be one dedicated ambulance with a two hour turnaround time. Protestors outside the Senedd earlier today were suggesting jetpacks as a viable transport alternative.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.