Health

Medical waste and toxic emissions causing health issues, say residents

Published

10 months ago

February 20, 2024

NEW photographs have emerged this week from the Withyhedge landfill site, near Haverfordwest, now dubbed “a stink bomb on steroids” by the local community. The photos, show that the dump is currently accepting hazardous and medical waste. Over the last few months, the site has become a thorn in the side of residents, and now according to them, is causing health issues.

Colin Barnett, a local resident at the forefront of the battle against the landfill’s toxic emissions, has reached out to public health officials in the NHS in a desperate plea for action. Despite presenting medical evidence from 2022 and recent compliance notices that highlight the concerning presence of healthcare waste, Barnett and the community feel ignored.

The lack of response from public health representatives, especially in light of a crucial community meeting set for February 26, has only added to their frustration.

The community’s concerns are well-founded, with a recent straw poll revealing significant health impacts: 31% of residents report suffering from headaches, 14% from nausea, 6% from breathing difficulties, 9% from increased anxiety levels, 19% from sore eyes, and 18% from sore noses or throats. These alarming statistics, coupled with 822 reports made to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in January 2024 alone, underscore the severity of the issue.

The situation at Withyhedge has been exacerbated by the response from its operators, Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), who have been ordered by NRW to “contain and collect” all fugitive emissions by a revised deadline of 5 April. Despite RML’s apology and assurances of rectifying the issue, the community remains skeptical, especially given the past legal issues involving an RML director and illegal waste dumping.

NRW’s involvement has highlighted the complexity of managing landfill gas emissions and odours, with the regulatory body emphasising that short-term solutions proposed by RML may not suffice in the long term. The community’s battle against Withyhedge is not just about the immediate stench but also about addressing potential long-term environmental and health risks.

As the community gears up for the upcoming meeting, their demands are clear: they seek not only immediate action to mitigate the toxic emissions but also long-term solutions to ensure such crises do not recur. Their fight transcends the odour issue, touching on broader themes of accountability, transparency, and the need for a collaborative approach to safeguard public health and the environment.

The Withyhedge landfill crisis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in waste management and the critical importance of regulatory oversight, corporate responsibility, and community advocacy. As the residents of Pembrokeshire stand united in their demand for a cleaner, safer environment, the outcome of their struggle could set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed across the UK, emphasizing the power of community action in the face of environmental adversity.

DAVIES CALLS FOR INTERVENTION

A call for Welsh Government intervention has been made by Senedd Member Paul Davies, after residents in Pembrokeshire continue to suffer as a result of odours from Withyhedge landfill site in Haverfordwest.

Mr Davies raised the matter in the Senedd Chamber and asked for the Welsh Government to intervene to support those affected and to ensure that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is undertaking its regulatory and enforcement duties effectively.

Following the request Mr Davies said, “Residents are continuing to suffer as a result of the terrible odours at Withyhedge landfill site and it’s vital that the Welsh Government intervenes to support those affected.”

“This is a public health concern and little action has been taken to resolve this matter – and that needs to change.”

“The Welsh Government is responsible for Natural Resources Wales and that’s why I asked for the Welsh Government to intervene and help support residents affected by the odours from the site. It’s crucial now that action is taken – and taken as soon as possible.”

Natural Resources Wales said there is now evidence that a recent proposal made by the company to contain and collect landfill gas to reduce smells was not “compliant with its permit” and was likely to “contain many unknowns with potential problems for the future.”

It considered the short-term benefits of alleviating the smell were “outweighed by the medium-to-longer term risks”.

Describing the decisions required to be made as “complex” the statement said “noticeable reductions in landfill gas emissions and odours are anticipated in the coming weeks”.

The residents are waiting too see if that is true.

There will be a public meeting coming up on Monday (Feb 26) at Crundale Hall 7.00pm.

Health

Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.

A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”

Unwell and unsure what to do?

If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.

When to attend A&E

Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:

Severe breathing difficulties
Severe pain or bleeding
Chest pain or suspected stroke
Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:

Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
Insect bites
Minor limb, head, or face injuries
Foreign bodies in the nose or ear

MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.

Urgent care, not an emergency

For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.

Community care options

Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.

Helping reduce hospital stays

The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.

For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.

A thank you from the NHS

The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”

For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]

Health

More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN EMPLOYMENT agreement has exceeded its target for recruiting healthcare workers from India.

The Welsh Government outlined a commitment to recruit 250 qualified healthcare workers from India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala Government earlier this year.

The recruitment drive has outperformed that goal, with just over 300 healthcare workers taking up positions across all of Wales’ health boards and the Velindre University NHS Trust. Further recruitment is due to take place next year.

The commitment was made as part of Wales in India, a year-long series of events to improve economic, educational, artistic and sporting ties between the two nations.

Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad, 24, had long held ambitions to move to Wales and work as a nurse, inspired by his uncle Siji Salimkutty who began working in the Welsh NHS in 2004.

Since arriving in Wales and beginning his job with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sharoon said he has reunited with his family and appreciated the kindness shown by his new colleagues.

“I was really excited to work in the NHS” Sharoon said. “It’s always been my ambition to contribute to society, and now I get to do that here in Wales.

“Everything moved quickly once I saw the opportunity to apply, and I’m proud to work for the NHS. I tell my family and friends that it feels great to help people when they need it the most.

“When you work for the NHS, it’s not just a job or salary. It’s a great life. You feel proud knowing you’ve supported and helped others.

“The NHS has given us a great opportunity and we should always work sincerely because we love our jobs. There are lots of opportunities to advance your career, your colleagues always support you and there’s a great support network.”

Sharoon said he hopes to continue his career in the Welsh NHS by progressing to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

He added: “People in Wales are so kind, they always make time for us, whether that’s at work or at home.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to Wales not to hesitate and to apply, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

Dr Devangana Bora has taken up a position as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Oncology at Velindre NHS Trust. Born in Guwahati, a large city in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, Dr Bora has worked as an Oncologist since 2019.

“I was really nervous for the interview. When I got there they told me it was in three stages and I became more nervous,” Dr Bora said.

“After the interview, I was offered the job and I was so happy. I thought they were joking. I was so excited to take this next step in my career and move to Wales.

“The weather is cold here but the people are so warm. I have received nothing but support from my colleagues and generally the people in Wales are so friendly and helpful.”

Dr Bora said her sister is currently studying Medicine at university and has been inspired to move to Wales once she completes her studies.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Alongside continued investment in training healthcare staff in Wales, international recruitment has always been one of the ways we can help address NHS workforce vacancies.

“India and Kerala in particular has a fantastic record in training doctors and nurses. We are grateful for the commitment to delivering high-quality care our new NHS recruits have shown.

“The contribution of these healthcare workers is already being felt across our NHS and it’s wonderful to see them settling into happy lives in Wales.”

Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day, March 1, by the then First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan, beginning a year of events and cultural engagements to strengthen links between the two nations.

One of the biggest impacts on policymaking in India drew inspiration from Wales’ innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act. Through partnership working, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced its own draft law called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill in July.

Welsh Government, the British Council and Wales Arts International also made commitments to further cultural collaborations between Wales and India by investing in arts projects through a dedicated culture fund. With the support of these organisations, as well as the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales was recently a partner country for Hornbill, one of India’s largest music festivals, which saw Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello perform on the main stage with Indian musicians Seyievinuo Chuzho and Benedict Hynniewta.

In February 2025, 10 young women, chosen from 140 applicants, will travel to Kolkata to complete humanitarian work as part of a joint project with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Her Future Coalition. The volunteers will provide support to vulnerable girls including survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. Sport and art workshops for children will also be run by the group.

Health

Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.

Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.

During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.

Rise in hoax calls over three years

2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.

The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.

Strain across Wales

The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

A call to action

The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”

“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.

“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”