News

Hancock: Board must regain public trust

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2014

THURSDAY’S meeting of the Health Board’s executive committee took place against a background of simmering resentment in Pembrokeshire at the fate of health services. New chairman Bernadine Rees told the meeting: “I am happy to be back and I understand the challenges. I want a meaningful engagement with the public.” Chief Executive Karen Howell added: “We want to determine what more can be done. We want to secure the long term sustainability of health services in Wales.” Members of the Board expressed concern that the Board had failed to communicate adequately with the public. Don Thomas said: “We need to listen, listen and act on the important issues. We’re keen to listen and understand what our residents are going through.” Local authority placeman Simon Hancock said: “It’s so important for us to understand how services on the ground are doing.” Independent member Eifion Griffiths said: “We have to make sure we are providing services for the population. We have to work with the whole of Wales. The local population will want to hear about what we are providing for them. Paul Hinge from the CHC added: “These changes have to be deliverable and you have to show them you have the ability to deliver them in a seamless manner.” Don Thomas said: “I hope there is an emerging recognition of the position we are in. The structural deficit in this board does need to be recognised and rectified.” IPPG nominee Simon Hancock drew attention to the serious service deficit in Tenby, the cause of major concern ahead of the main summer tourist season. He added that he was desperately concerned for Tenby describing the situation as critical. Simon Hancock’s concern on the issue highlights the fact that assurances given by the Board before the closure of Tenby’s purpose-built Minor Injuries Unit have been shown to be worthless, as local GP’s failed to sign up to the Board’s service model. Phil Kloer, interim director for primary care, community and mental health replied: “The important question is, why we have only got three GPs in the area.” Orthodontic and community dental care was another cause of concern. Orthodontic services were withdrawn from Withybush by the Board in 2010. It seems that centralising services has failed to deliver improvements. Paul Hinge told the meeting: “There is still an 18-month waiting list for orthodontics, this is unbelievable. They have to wait a long, long time and they are then offered a paying service to jump the queue: that part of it has got to stop. The amount of people who are moving out to other areas just to get a service is unbelievable.” Simon Hancock said: “It is important for this board to regain public trust.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 hour 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

8 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

9 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.