News

Update on easing of hospital visiting restrictions

Published

5 years ago

June 30, 2021

FAMILY, friends and well-wishers can attend hospitals to visit patients on a limited basis with prior agreement with hospital staff in line with Welsh Government guidance.

While the prevalence of Covid-19 remains very low among hospital inpatients, the virus has not gone away altogether, and like some other areas across Wales and indeed the UK, Hywel Dda UHB are dealing with cases of the Delta variant in our communities.

The health board has been gradually relaxing hospital visiting restrictions, however all visits must be pre-arranged to enable them to maintain social distancing in their wards and across their sites.

This means that a pre-booked visit by no more than two members of the same household can be supported, provided your visit has a clear purpose and is in the best interest of the patient.

A visit can be arranged following discussion between the patient and the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse, and visiting will be in line with the following Welsh Government Guidance:

‘Visiting with a Purpose’:
End of life – last days of life
Carer –you are the carer or the nominated representative
Learning disabilities (LD) –a patient with learning disabilities may need you as their carer/ next of kin to share information about their individual needs and virtual visiting may not be appropriate.
Other – for example where it is felt a visit from you may help the patient with rehabilitation, understanding of care/ condition, help with dietary concerns. The ward sister may agree visiting outside of this guidance in certain circumstances.

Please note that visitors who do not meet this criteria will be asked to use a virtual visiting option instead which is available within the hospital, such as using a tablet or mobile phone. Family Liaison Officers will be available on wards to support access to virtual visiting.

Hywel Dda UHB would also kindly ask all visitors to adhere to the following restrictions:

All visiting or accompanying patients to appointments MUST be pre-arranged in advance with the relevant Ward Sister or Charge Nurse.
A staff member will contact the allocated visitor and agree a time slot for the visitor to attend the ward. There will be one daily visitor during the specified time slot to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to and to maintain the safety of patients and staff.
The visitor will be allowed to stay with the patient for an agreed period of time to ensure that all patients who wish to receive a visit are given the opportunity. This will be based on the individual circumstances and ward environment to ensure that all necessary infection prevention measures are in place. Due to varying activities in the ward environments, time slots may vary. Should there be a need for alternative visiting arrangements, this must be discussed with the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse.
Visitors must wear appropriate PPE (surgical face coverings). Children are not encouraged to visit and should only do so in extenuating circumstances.
The allocated visitor must remain as the only visitor during the admission period. Visitors will be asked to stay within the bed area of the patient throughout the duration of the stay. Visitors’ toilet facilities are available and staff can direct people as necessary.
Hospital restaurants remain closed to visitors however, in exceptional circumstances arrangements can be made through the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse for take away meals to be purchased.
Essential support assistants (such as interpreters or essential carers) are not classed as visitors. Please discuss this with your health professional.

Mandy Rayani, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: “On behalf of the health board I want to reiterate our deepest thanks and gratitude to our communities, our patients and their families for your understanding and adherence to the very strict hospital visiting rules that we have had to impose throughout this pandemic. Your diligence and awareness of the need to keep loved ones safe in hospital has been key in our efforts to fight the virus.

“We know that visitors are essential to the wellbeing of our patients, and wherever we can, we will support you to be with your loved one. We are committed to avoiding the spread of the virus within our hospitals and keeping our patients, family, carers and staff as safe as possible.

“This does mean that for the time being, we need to ensure that we continue to exercise caution, and I want to stress that this is not a full return to normality. We understand that some visitors may feel disappointed if you aren’t able to attend in person, but I want to assure you that the measures we are putting in place are safe, proportionate and responsible and we look forward to gradually easing further restrictions as circumstances allow.”

Patients, where able, may use their own phones to communicate with family and friends. Those that need assistance can be supported to communicate via Facetime or other supported social platforms.

The health board does not require visitors to be tested for COVID-19 prior to an arranged hospital visit and cannot facilitate testing of visitors on-site. However, visitors may wish to undertake a lateral flow test at home before they visit loved ones and testing kits can be accessed via the UK portal and posted to your home address or can be picked up from our ‘test collect’ sites (between 9.30am and 12.30pm, with the exception of Carmarthen Showground which is between 8.00am and 1.00pm).

Please do not visit any hospital sites if you have been asked to isolate by the contact tracing team or if you have any of the three main symptoms of COVID-19 – a new continuous cough, temperature or loss or change of taste or smell. If you experience any of these symptoms please book a PCR COVID-19 test via the UK portal or by ringing 119. You should also book a test if you have mild cold or flu-like symptoms, including runny or blocked nose, sore throat, muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness; persistent headache, persistent sneezing and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing.

When booking your PCR test, you will also be asked about your symptoms: if you have mild cold or flu-like symptoms, rather than the classic three symptoms, choose ‘None of these symptoms’ and then choose one of the following options to enable you to complete the booking:

My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms or
A GP or other healthcare professional has asked me to get a test.

Community

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Published

22 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

News

150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

Published

3 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.