Community

Plans to out-source services announced

Published

12 years ago

October 21, 2013

HYWEL Dda Health Board announced this week possible plans to out-source out of hours GP and triage services to private company Primecare, who already provide the same service in Carmarthenshire.
It has been reported that there was a risk that should the proposal go ahead then there was the potential for twelve part-time contracts to be adversely affected, possibly resulting in job cuts.
However, speaking to The Herald, a spokesperson for the Hywel Dda Health Board said that this was not the case, and that they were ‘still looking at options and had no idea how many people, if any, it would affect at this time’, should it go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Health Board said: “Currently there are two separate GP out of hours services provided in Hywel Dda. Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion’s call handling and triage service is provided in-house and Carmarthenshire’s by the private sector. Both services provide NHS face-to-face treatment centres and home visits consultations. The Health Board is exploring the possible benefits of developing a three counties GP out of hours call handling and triage service for Hywel Dda as we aim to provide a more consistent and efficient service for all our patients”.
When asked about the potential for a decrease in efficiency, as well as the fear of greater waiting times, the spokesperson continued: “We strongly believe this approach will offer improved patient choice and speed up home visits that could result in a reduction of calls to 999 and admission to hospital.
‘’The Board has a duty to consult with, and support, any staff affected by the proposed change and will do so when we are confident that this change will improve out of hours access for our patients. We would also like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that the Board will work with our clinicians to ensure that this change will improve the service provided before any decision is made.”
Mid and West Wales AM, Joyce Watson issued this statement to The Herald: “While I support Hywel Dda’s intention to speed up home visits and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, in exploring options for GP out of hours services, patient care must remain the absolute priority.
‘’The potential impact on staff must also be seriously considered. I will be seeking meetings with Board representatives to discuss these proposals in greater detail.”
Paul Davis, AM member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, had this to say: “It’s right to consider how out of hours services can be delivered more effectively to meet patient demand and avoid putting patients through the sometimes distressing experience of an unnecessary visit to A&E. I welcome the Health Board’s commitment to engage positively with staff and patients and I hope that health bosses will listen to their views and act accordingly.”
Plaid Cymru AM, Simon Thomas, said: “Plaid Cymru has tabled a question to the Health Minister on this issue because of local concerns.
‘’More people could end up going to A&E if the service is not up to scratch. The danger is that private firms may cut costs by not employing staff as well trained as those currently serving local people.
‘’The recent Plaid Cymru brokered budget deal with the Welsh government means that Hywel Dda and the local council could bid for up to £8m from the Intermediate Care Fund to provide alternatives to people going to hospital and to encourage independent living.”
Primecare, founded in 1997, claim that they lead the way in the development of regular quality reporting for commissioning organisations, and are the first independent health care provider to have developed ‘this unique reporting system which allows regular, transparent reporting of both national and locally agreed quality indicators’.

Community

Youth hub coming to Pembrokeshire – but location still unknown

Published

59 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

18 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Community

Fire tears through Carmarthenshire property as police launch appeal

Published

22 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents evacuated after early morning blaze on Lady Street, Kidwelly

A MAJOR emergency response was launched in Kidwelly in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 24) after a fire broke out at a three-storey terraced property on Lady Street.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene at 4:06am, with multiple appliances attending from Kidwelly, Pontiets, Llanelli, Morriston, Tumble, Carmarthen and Port Talbot.

The fire was located on the third floor of the building, with dramatic scenes as flames could be seen through an upstairs window while firefighters worked from ladders and an aerial platform to bring the blaze under control.

Eight breathing apparatus sets were deployed, alongside two hose reel jets, two 45mm hoses, thermal imaging cameras and other specialist equipment. Additional support came from water bowser units and an aerial ladder platform from Morriston.

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, while other residents were advised to remain indoors during the incident.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours, finally leaving at 1:45pm after ensuring the fire was fully extinguished and surrounding buildings were safe. Firefighters also carried out reassurance visits, offering safety advice to nearby residents.

Lady Street remains closed, with access to a number of properties still restricted due to safety concerns.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained and have launched an appeal for information.

A spokesperson said anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between 11:00pm on Monday (Mar 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (Mar 24) should come forward.