Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales’ nurses get a glowing report as standards of care improve A report published this week shows high levels of satisfaction among adult hospital patients in Wales, with more than 95% saying they feel respected by nursing staff. The third annual All Wales Fundamentals of Care Audit Summary Report brings together results from hospitals in Wales, all of which are now using the All Wales Fundamentals of Care Audit Tool. It aims to build on the momentum and achievements of recent years and help to deliver the wider ambitions outlined in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Young advocates use their experiences to help others Young people from South Wales have been presented with awards for becoming peer advocates at a ceremony in the Senedd. The 10 young people participating in this pilot, from Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, and Torfaen, will be the first in Wales to hold a peer advocacy qualification. Advocacy is not only about complaints and advice. While advocacy may sometimes include both, it is more about listening and ensuring the wishes and feelings of children and young people are heard regardless of whether the advocate agrees or not. Advocacy is a process which helps someone to speak up for themselves, but it can also include explaining, empowering, representing and navigating complex systems and procedures. The peer advocates may draw on their own experiences to help other young people.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales achieves most new registrations in SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands Campaign The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Wales for signing up more hospitals and healthcare facilities in the run up to this year’s SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands annual event than any other country or area in the world. The international campaign encourages healthcare professionals to register to show their commitment to raising awareness of the part hand hygiene can play in reducing rates of healthcare associated infections. Public Health Wales has been thanked for its work in encouraging healthcare organisations to sign up for the campaign, which is now in its fourth year.

Hywel Dda Health Board | First Minister renews commitment to public health The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones, will be speaking at the Welsh Public Health Conference for the second year running. The second Welsh Public Health Conference is being held on Wednesday 18 July 2012 at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. The conference, titled ‘Together for Public Health’ is based around Together for Health, the Welsh Government’s five year vision for the NHS in Wales.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Ambulance Service Performance Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Health & Social Services has made the following statement on the performance of the ambulance service - Following a discussion in Plenary on 25 April with regard to ambulance response times, I committed to making a Written Statement on the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust’s (WAST) performance against the two response time standards during the past twelve months. Members will know there are two targets applicable to WAST: I) 65% of all calls categorised as ‘life threatening’ to receive an emergency response within 8 minutes on an all-Wales basis and II) 60% of all calls categorised as ‘life threatening’ to receive a response within 8 minutes on a Unitary Authority basis. I am pleased to note the response time performance has improved significantly over recent times.

More use is being made of CCTV in Carmarthenshire helping to catch criminals red-handed. Figures for the year 2011/12 show the number of incidents where CCTV was used for monitoring was up from 230 the previous year to 571. It also contributed to the arrest of 190 people. The highly-skilled CCTV operators were able to observe the incidents as they happened and the police would then direct resources accordingly. The operators work closely with officers proactively monitoring specific people or vehicles of interest. The footage is then used in court as evidence. Incidents include assaults, criminal damage, drugs related offences, missing persons, thefts from properties and vehicles, public order offences, shoplifting and road traffic collisions. In particular, police colleagues have recognised the good work of CCTV operators in Carmarthen in helping to trace offenders involved in a violent assault in the town as well as a number of ‘creeper’ burglaries, where homes have been broken into ...

Hobbies a hit at the Garden | The National Botanic Garden of Wales There’ll be hobbies and handicrafts of all kinds at the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne, near Carmarthen, on June 2-5. From displays of dolls houses by West Glamorgan Dolls House Society, model railways, jewellery, quiltwork, lace makers and photography to horticulture, gardeners sessions, and canoeing on the lakes, there’ll be something for all the family.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Health Minister: Why a Cancer Drugs Fund is wrong for Wales The Welsh Government will continue to focus its spend on cancer treatment – £4.50 more per head of population than in England – on early diagnosis and consistent, evidence-based access to cancer drugs, Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths said. Speaking at the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group 10th anniversary conference, the Minister said a Cancer Drugs Fund for Wales would not be the right course of action.

There are some changes to refuse/recycling collections in Carmarthenshire for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday. If your usual collection should take place on Monday, June 4, it will be collected the Saturday before, June 2. Then from Tuesday, June 5 until Friday, June 8, collections will take place one day later. Collections will be back to normal from Monday, June 11. Residents are reminded that the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Trostre (Llanelli), Wernddu (Ammanford), Nantycaws (Carmarthen), Whitland and Llangadog are open as usual on the Bank Holiday. For further information visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567. Usual collection                                             Collection on Monday, June 4th                           ...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Hywel Dda Awarded Silver for Going Green Hywel Dda Health Board’s commitment to sustainable travel planning has been recognised with a Silver Award at the South West Wales Intergrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) Welsh Travel Plan Awards 2012. The SWWITCH Welsh Travel Plan Awards recognise excellence in Travel Planning across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.  Awards are given to individual or groups of businesses, organisations, schools or community groups.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Safety campaign launched in Hywel Dda Health Board The S.T.O.P. campaign to improve the safety of patient care through better use of urinary catheters and cannulas has been launched in all four hospitals in Hywel Dda Health Board. “All our hospital wards are receiving materials to promote this work and reduce the use of PVCs and urinary catheters,” says Tracey Nicholas, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, speaking at the launch in Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.

A Carmarthen woman has been fined £160 and ordered to pay £100 court costs for throwing litter. Rebecca Patricia Rainford, of Cae Eithin, Brewery Road, was prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council for the offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Carmarthen magistrates heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty on Saturday, November 19 in Parc Pensarn when they saw a man and woman returning to their car having bought takeaway food items. The officers then noticed a white serviette on the ground next to the vehicle. They identified themselves to the female sat in the front passenger seat and explained that they had grounds to suspect that she had been littering. She told officers after being cautioned for the offence: “I couldn't be bothered to get out. It was a mistake anyway.” She also said that there were no bins nearby but the officers pointed to a bin that was situated less than 10 metres away. Checks were carried out and found that ...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales outlines plans for an expert group on adoption Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children, has outlined plans to establish an expert group to inform and develop policy on a National Adoption Service. Leaders from the adoption system have been invited to join the group. Members will have a vital role to play in the development of a new National Adoption Service. They will also consider the significant reforms necessary to transform current adoption systems.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Public Health Wales issues hot weather advice ahead of torch relay Public Health Wales is reminding people planning to attend torch relay events this weekend to take care in the expected hot weather. With the fine weather set to continue over the weekend and people planning to be outside to watch the Olympic flame pass through Wales, the public are advised to take precautions to avoid being exposed to too much heat. Hot weather can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which is more serious, as well as the risk of sunburn.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Bespoke dementia information packs launched to reassure dementia sufferers To mark Dementia Awareness Week, the Minister for Health and Social Services Lesley Griffiths has launched new information packs for those with a diagnosis of dementia. Designed by the Alzheimer’s Society and funded by the Welsh Government, the packs, a UK first, provide information on the likely impacts of dementia and contain core information on national and local services. This vital resource - Living Well With Dementia After Diagnosis – follows the National Dementia Vision, which reflects the determination of the Welsh Government to develop high quality services, promote research, and encourage earlier diagnosis and more timely interventions.

More than 20 sheep were found dead on a Laugharne farm and others found in a poor condition, Carmarthen magistrates have been told. An Animal Health Officer from Carmarthenshire County Council along with a Veterinary Officer from Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency visited Honey Corse Farm, Broadway, Laugharne, in September 2011 following a complaint regarding the condition of sheep there. They found about 25 sheep carcasses in various states of decomposition. Several of the live sheep were in poor condition and found to be infested with maggots and one was in such a poor condition it was humanely destroyed at the time to prevent any further suffering. The remaining sheep were treated and improved and later sold. Robert Glen Davies, of Woodlands Close, Llanmiloe, Pendine, the owner of the sheep at Honey Corse Farm, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates Court for sentence after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to nine offences under Section 4 and 9 of the Animal Welf...

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Firefighters from Reynoldston Fire Station have attended a gorse fire on cliffs at Overton, on the Gower Peninsula, that started in the early hours of Friday 25 May and destroyed approximately 11 hectares of important wildlife habitat. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were first called to Overton at 12:35pm where a gorse fire was reported to have been spreading along the cliffs towards Rhosilli. Both the fire appliance and 4x4 Landrover from Reynoldston Fire Station were mobilised to the scene. Fire Service personnel remained at the scene until the fire was fully extinguished at approximately 2pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging local people to get into the Olympic spirit early and join them to celebrate Aberystwyth Fire Station´s golden anniversary on Saturday 26 May - the day before the Olympic Flame arrives in the town. The station will be opening its doors to the local community from 1 - 4pm for a family-friendly open day with games, activities and refreshments. Visitors will be able to ´soak the fireman´, meet Fireman Sam and try out the Aerial Ladder Platform, aswell as enjoying stalls selling cakes and a charity raffle. Representatives from The Firefighters Charity, Ceredigion County Council´s Road Safety Team and the local Coastguard will also be on hand to chat to visitors.

Considering solar panels? Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in West Wales, providing environmental and financial benefits, but homeowners should not rush to install. That's the advice from QualitySolicitors Redkite. If you are thinking about it, there are two basic packages available, either a purchase or a lease. Both options require careful consideration. Follow the link, for more information.

A Llanelli school has become the first in the county to trial a mobile takeaway unit in the playground. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Catering Service has introduced the innovative fast-food van at Coedcae School to re-introduce healthy food to children who have shunned the school canteen in favour of nearby food outlets. It has proved a big hit with pupils, with as many as 400 school meals now being served every day. The van is open from 8am to serve breakfast snacks including takeaway porridge, toast and cereal together with tea, coffee and cold drinks, for those that have left home without breakfast. During lunch, children can choose from a range of snacks including baguettes, wraps, paninis, sandwiches, salads, soups, and jacket potatoes all with a variety of fillings. And for those with a sweet tooth there are healthier alternatives, including yogurts and homemade cakes made with reduced fat and sugar, pure fruit juice lollies and local Franks ice-cream. Each meal and snack ...

The legal eagles at Redkite held a special networking event to celebrate beating off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand called QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The event was held at the BIC Business Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock. “We wanted to do something special to mark our new branding as QualitySolicitors Redkite,” said Managing Partner Luke Smith. “It was great to see so many representatives of Pembrokeshire businesses at the event. Yes, we have rebranded, but we remain local solicitors you can talk to, right on your patch in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. “Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place. “The new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.” QualitySolicitors is expanding fast to becoming a household name, with strong media...

Tenants at an Ammanford sheltered housing scheme have been getting a little crafty in their efforts to raise funds for charity. Ladies from the county council’s Pantyboblen complex in Penygarn Road, Tycroes, have been getting together every Wednesday afternoon armed with needles and thread as part of a social gathering. Over a natter, they have managed to handsew an impressive patchwork quilt which they are planning on raffling off for a charity which is special to their hearts. Sheltered Scheme Officer Gail Thomas said: “The tenants started a craft afternoon a while back and it took off really well with around 12 of them joining in. Together, they have cut out squares from some spare fabric, hand sewn them together and machine stitched them to wadding to make a fantastic patch-work quilt. “They are so proud of it, and rightly so – I tried helping once and it wasn’t easy – especially since their vision isn’t so great these days.” The ladies are now busy selling raffle tickets to fa...

The team at QualitySolicitors Redkite will be running a programme of HR (human resources) seminars in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire over the coming months. The seminars will be run by QualitySolicitors Redkite's fully qualified Employment Solicitors. They will cover key HR topics and are essential for all business owners, managers and HR officers. Each seminar is free and includes a complimentary handout. The first seminar will cover HR for Small Businesses and will be held from 8.30am to 10.30am on Thursday 28th June at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock. Spaces are limited so book soon! RSVP by 7th June by simply emailing Lowri.davies@qs-redkite.com The programme of seminars will include: HR for Small Businesses Hiring and Firing Changing Contract Terms Dealing with Poor Performance Dealing with Disciplinary Issues Managing Redundancy Programmes Discrimination Awareness Working Time Obligations and Rights Employment Law Update The seminar...

The Torch Relay Comes to Dyfed Powys | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The Olympic Torch Relay comes to Dyfed Powys Police Force area on Sunday 27th May. The relay will start in Swansea, travel through our force area, until it reaches Aberystwyth in the evening. Dyfed Powys police staff will be tweeting throughout the day so follow @dafyddp http://twitter.com/#!/DafyddP and use #olympictorch for updates. Local authorities and the Olympic Organising Committee are responsible for the visit of the Torch, although Dyfed Powys Police has been supporting them to ensure the relay can be enjoyed and celebrated by our communities.

Policing quiz winner meets chief superintendent following successful Diamonds in the Park Jubilee celebrations | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The young winner of a Dyfed Powys Police quiz was recently presented with a £20 book voucher by the man in charge of territorial policing for the force. Molly Pugh from Crossgates School in Powys took part in a quiz about policing issues which was put together for children by officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and school liaison officers. Hundreds entered with the winning correct entry drawn from a hat.

Increase in use of CCTV produces good results as more criminals are caught redhanded | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys More use is being made of CCTV in Carmarthenshire helping to catch criminals red-handed. Figures for the year 2011/12 show the number of incidents where CCTV was used for monitoring was up from 230 the previous year to 571. It also contributed to the arrest of 190 people. The highly-skilled CCTV operators were able to observe the incidents as they happened and the police would then direct resources accordingly.

Residents urged to sign up to police messaging system in ongoing fight to prevent crime | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Residents are being urged to sign up to a police messaging system to help fight crime. Online Watch Link (OWL) sends messages by telephone, fax, email or mobile phone. It can be used by police to keep people up-to-date with what is going on in their area and for crime prevention advice. Crime alerts can also be sent out within half an hour of a crime occurring.

A report developed by Carmarthenshire’s Joint Health and Social Care Scrutiny Forum with the help of hundreds of people affected by dementia was presented to Carmarthenshire’s Health and Social Care Board as part of Dementia Awareness Week (May 20-26, 2012). The report was commissioned by the Health & Social Care Board in 2011 to gather evidence about services from a range of sources. The aim was to allow a better understanding of the local situation so that support services available to people living with and caring for people with dementia could be developed and improved. The review, which has taken place over the last nine months, has culminated with a set of recommendations which was presented to the Board during its meeting on May 24. Chair, Cllr Jane Tremlett, said: “The Joint Forum has gathered evidence from a range of sources - we have spoken to health and social care practitioners from the council and Hywel Dda Health Board; we have listened to statutory, voluntary and ind...

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Firefighters from Swansea West Fire Station would like to say a big thank you to everyone who had their car washed at the station in aid of The Firefighters Charity and Muscular Dystrophy. The event, organised by Blue Watch, was supported by off-duty firefighters, along with volunteers from the Muscular Dystrophy Charity. Watch Manager Mike Arnold said "We had a fantastic response from the public, washing over 200 cars on the day and raising a total of £709 for The Firefighters Charity and Muscular Dystrophy. It´s testament to everyone's hard work on the day and we would like to thank everyone for their support."

Hywel Dda Health Board | Appointment of Independent Member to Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University and Hywel Dda Local Health Boards Health Minister Lesley Griffiths announced the appointment of Chantal Patel and Mike Ponton as independent members to the boards of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board and Hywel Dda Local Health Board, respectively. Both appointments are for a four-year term ending on 31 March 2016. Chantal Patel will receive a remuneration of £15,936 per annum for a time commitment of four days a month. Mike Ponton will receive a remuneration of £13,344 per annum for a time commitment of four days a month.

Tackling violent and alcohol-related crime in town centres | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A new initiative to prevent late night violent and alcohol-related crime is being launched across Carmarthenshire. Operation Nightsafe is a multi-agency, pro-active approach to reduce anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in our town centres. It has already been piloted successfully in Llanelli and Carmarthen and will now be rolled out to other areas in the county.

Garden Date for Bretons | The National Botanic Garden of Wales A Breton band will be playing celtic music and dancing in celebration of a special ‘twinning’ milestone at a local landmark. The Lesneven-based ensemble Bagad Bro Even will be in the National Botanic Garden on Friday (May 25) to celebrate 30 years of twinning between Carmarthen and the Brittany town. A party of around 70 will visit the Garden and the 30-strong band and dancers will perform – in full Breton costume, complete with headdresses – from about 10.30am.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) are asking the people of Fishguard to be vigilant to anyone deliberately setting fire to grass and gorse land, as a week of dry weather is forecast for Pembrokeshire. Following a number of grass fires in and around Fishguard last month, many of which were suspected to have been started deliberately, the Service teamed up with Dyfed Powys Police to look more closely at the issue. An individual has since been arrested on suspicion of deliberate fire-setting.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Popular Carmarthen comedy entertainer Phil Doyle will be staging a fund-raising evening at the Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse and community centre on Saturday, May 26. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are £12 per person, including buffet. Phil has appeared on many TV shows including New Comedians and Talking Telephone Numbers. Phil has won the Jersey Variety Club Award for Best Comedian for three years running. Phil will be supported by the talented young vocalist Natasha Doyle. To book: Telephone, Allan, 07976 973693, or Jeff, 07813 697774. ------------------------------------- The annual general meeting of Carmarthen Town AFC will be held at the clubhouse and community centre on Tuesday, June 12, 7.30pm. ------------------------------------- There was a late change to the line-up at the Carmarthen Town AFC dinner held at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen, on F...

Celtic Couriers Ltd, the go-ahead delivery firm based in Burry Port, is on the starting blocks and ready for the launch of the 2012 London Olympics. Together with APC Overnight, Celtic Couriers is getting ready to cope with the logistical challenges posed by the Games. “Preparation is everything and we have been planning for the Olympics for some time,” said Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins. “At the heart of our Olympic mission is making sure that our customers continue to receive the high quality delivery services they have come to expect.” The games are the largest sporting event ever staged in the UK and have been hailed by Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner, as “Britain’s largest peacetime logistical exercise”. The expected number of spectators alone is estimated at nine million plus. This is in addition to all the athletes and officials. The Games will have a tremendous impact on all businesses - not only in central London, but also other parts of the UK ...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales initiates progress on family justice The first meeting of the Family Justice Network in Wales has taken place. Following the publication of the UK Government response to the Family Justice Review in England and Wales, a major programme is underway to reform the family justice system which aims to strengthen parenting, tackle delays and simplify the current system. In Wales, the establishment of a Family Justice Network was announced by the Deputy Minister for Social Services and Children to deliver improvements in the service and outcomes for children and families who come into contact with the system in Wales.

‘Action Days’ combat metal thefts | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police and partner agencies are continuing to hit criminals involved in metal theft following a series of Action Days across the Force area. On 14 and 15 May 2012 police officers took part in the collaborative multi-agency National Metal Theft initiative to target metal thieves and demonstrate that these type of offences are taken seriously. Stop-checks at selected points in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Powys, resulted in a variety of arrests and penalties.

A Burry Port firm is stepping up to 24-hour working to meet increased demand. Amcanu specialises in sound insulating enclosures and tailored sheet metal solutions at the company’s factory in Glanmor Terrace, Burry Port. “The order book has taken off in the last few weeks and we have taken the bold step of temporarily changing our shift structure,” said Amcanu managing director Owain Davies. “We have just stepped up a gear to 24-hour working. “We have an excellent team here at Amcanu and they have responded well to increase in demand with changes to our working patterns.” “One of the major reasons behind the move to 24-hour working has been prompted by work on the biggest enclosure project we have produced to date.” “We produce tailor-made sheet metal enclosures for different pump and generator manufacturers, but the new 'Series 14' enclosure is the biggest we have tackled to date.” Amcanu currently employs 26 people in Burry Port. “We have come a long way from our early hi...

Racing Post story on Carmarthen's Alison Thorpe to quit training - Alison Thorpe is set to quit training after 12 years having become disillusioned with the job. Thorpe, who is based in Bronwydd, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, took out her training licence in 2000 and has sent out 181 winners over jumps, posting a career-best tally of 35 winners in 2009-10. But she sent out just 11 winners last season and, in a letter to the Racing Post, Thorpe said: "Last winter was a quiet one but unfortunately the quiet period lasted longer than normal. We had something on the yard that lurked around too long. "Unfortunately as with all walks oflife costs rise with fuel, transport and wages but when you keep waking up worrying about what was going to go wrong or when on earth things were going to come right you begin to question yourself as to whether it is all worth it - sometimes the hassle and stress can take the fun element and enjoyment out of what you are doing." Thorpe, who t...

Carmarthenshire’s Walking Well  initiative has now formed three walking groups across the county. Aimed at encouraging people to get fit and stay fit by walking, the initiative has been successful in attracting 25 members in St Clears, with similar numbers expected in the more recently established groups in Llanelli and Carmarthen Town. Trained walk leader Andrew Kurzfeld, a member of the 50+ Forum Steering Group supported by Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “The benefits of walking go beyond the direct impact on health. Joining a Walking Well group is also a great way to socialise and make new friends, safe in the knowledge that all walks are led by trained Walk Leaders who have also been trained in First Aid. “Walks are tailored to suit the capabilities of the group members and new walkers and new walk leaders are always welcome.” Funding for the initial phase was provided through a Health and Wellbeing Grant and the scheme is now seeking further funds to spread Walking We...

Crack the Garden code | The National Botanic Garden of Wales The new National Botanic Garden of Wales visitor leaflet is packed with more than just vital statistics and pretty pictures. The 2012 Garden leaflet has an inbuilt discounted entry offer – locked in the QR code on the cover. Anyone with a smart phone and a QR-code-reading ‘app’ will  be able to unlock a ‘buy one, get one half price’ admission offer to the Garden at Llanarthne, near Carmarthen.

Dyfed Powys Police pays tribute to Terence Grange, former Chief Constable. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Mr Terence Grange passed away on Friday, 18th May, 2012 following a long illness. Terence Grange joined the Army at 15 years of age and spent seven years in the Parachute Regiment before joining the Metropolitan Police. He then transferred to the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and on 27th March, 2000 he was appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Avoiding a fall Ceredigion teams are joining forces during national Falls Awareness Week to help people avoid harm from suffering Hywel Dda Health Board, Age Cymru Ceredigion, Public Health Wales, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Services, Ceredigion Care and Repair, and Ceredigion County Council will be holding a networking event on Monday June 18. Every year, Age UK hosts Falls Awareness Week in order to promote the services and interventions that can help reduce the risk of falls and challenge the perception of falling being an inevitable part of ageing.

Hywel Dda Health Board | This Healthy Wednesday – do a good deed! Research has shown that doing a good deed improves your mental health. This Healthy Wednesday as part of Mental Health Awareness Week why not carry out a random act of kindness? Doing good things for others can reduce stress, improve your emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health. Simple things you could do include passing on a compliment or smiling and say thank you.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) have been showcasing their skills for a Royal audience as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration tour to south Wales. Representatives from Powys Command had the enviable opportunity of meeting Her Majesty at a community event in Crickhowell, while Young Firefighters from south Wales lined the procession route at a separate event in Margam Park.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Opportunity to help bereaved parents Hywel Dda Health Board is offering a rare opportunity for anyone who works with bereaved parents to enhance their skills and learn from experts in the field. A study day for professionals working with parents facing still-birth or the loss of a baby during pregnancy is being held at Aberystwyth University on June 14. The speakers will range from personal insights to professional perspectives and also include representatives of relevant charitable organisations.

Village idiot at large again. Motorcyclist hairing down the footpath under Sandy Bridge just as kids leaving Furnace School, Llanelli. What a plonker!

Members of Carmarthenshire’s 50+ Forum have been invited to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne at Age Cymru Sir Gâr’s Big Jubilee lunch on June 3. The event to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be held at EJ’s bar and restaurant at Vauxhall, Llanelli, with friends, family, neighbours - from babies to grannies – all welcome. The fourth annual Big Lunch will fall on the same four-day bank holiday weekend as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Sunday June 3 at 12:30pm. There will be a Sunday Carvery two-course meal and entertainment. County council 50+ project officer Kevin Pett said: “Age Cymru Sir Gâr has invited members of the 50+ Forum to come to the Jubilee Big Lunch and we have made sure our members know about the event and have the chance to join in the fun.” Anyone wanting to go to the Big Lunch should contact Rhian at Age Cymru Sir Gâr on 01554 784080. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance. Ticket prices are £10 for and £7 for children.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with a long-established independent Carmarthen pharmacy to help deliver free home fire safety information to residents across the town. Walter Lloyd & Son Pharmacy, on Lammas Street, has a fleet of three vans that go out into the community every day to deliver prescriptions to Carmarthenshire homes. The pharmacy will now be carrying information leaflets on board to encourage residents to take up a free Home Fire Safety Check by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. A free Home Fire Safety Check takes approximately one hour to complete and is usually undertaken by two Fire Service representatives who will provide advice on making your home safe from fire, help with planning escape routes and even install new smoke alarms, with 10-year batteries, where needed.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Creating a safer pathology service for local patients Hywel Dda Health Board is set to create a safer and sustainable pathology service for patients following recommendations made by the Royal College of Pathologists. The expert body recommended that histopathology services within the Hywel Dda Health Board area should be re-organised into fewer, larger departments. This is in keeping with the Welsh Government document ‘The Future Delivery of Pathology Services in Wales’. Patients will not see a physical change in service, but behind-the scenes work and autopsies will be organised from Carmarthenshire. Facilities to view and store the deceased will remain at each of the four hospitals (Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush).

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is investing in 16 new specialist fire appliances that will be rolled out service-wide over the coming months to significantly improve its fire and rescue capability, particularly in rural areas. The innovative new Rural Response Pumps are custom-made 4x4 vehicles fitted with ultra high performance fire fighting and rescue equipment. These vehicles are being introduced to improve the Service´s ability to respond to emergencies in rural areas and areas with difficult access. They will also improve the Service´s existing fleet enabling an improved emergency response during periods of severe weather including flooding and snow.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Health Minister pays more than just lip service to oral health Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has launched a package of care which will standardise and improve oral health in hospitals across Wales. During a visit to Llandudno Hospital, the Minister welcomed the development of the Mouth Care Bundle, which has been developed as a result of the findings from the 2009/10 All Wales Fundamentals of Care audit tool report. Although the 2010 audit showed there had been improvements to standards across Wales, the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales established a multi-disciplinary working group to address the outstanding issues, and this resulted in the development of the All Wales Mouth Care Bundle. The mouth care bundle is based on best practice and will ensure every patient in NHS Wales will receive the highest standard of mouth care and advice.

Italian coffee shop chain Costa Coffee has teamed up with Odeon as the latest to sign up for Llanelli’s £26million East Gate Development. The coffee shop plaza will have entrances from the foyer of the new 610-seat Odeon five screen multiplex cinemas with a second access directly from the bus station which is alongside. Britannia Construction, who have been delivering all the buildings at East Gate, have been approved to fit out Odeon and Costas which means it will be delivered in time for the October half-term premier opening with a top film premier for the school holidays which is expected to be a sell out. Costa Coffee is a great coup for Llanelli and is signalling a huge amount of commercial interest in the Henry Davidson Development being delivered in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council. Neil Dale for Henry Davidson said two more major national prominent name signings were expected in June in addition to Travel Lodge, Jenkins Bakery, Llanelli Scarlets, Odeon and Cos...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Local people become champions for health People in Gwent are being given the opportunity to become champions for health in their community thanks to a new scheme launched this week. The Community Health Champion programme aims to provide local people with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary for them to become champions for health in their local community. More than 120 champions have already been recruited to the programme and will be given training from public health professionals on issues such as smoking, alcohol and obesity.

Carmarthen racehorse trainer Alison Thorpe runs Rampant Ronnie in the 3.20 at Newton Abbot today. Pembrokeshire's Peter Bowen runs Its A Mistake in the 4.50 at Newton Abbot.

Llanelli 2 - Bala Town 1 - Welsh Premier - Football - WalesOnline Rhys Griffiths’ 30th goal of the season sent Llanelli on their way to Europa League qualification with a play-off final victory over Bala Town at Stebonheath Park. Llanelli will now join Bangor City and Cefn Druids in the draw for the preliminary round of the competition, which takes place at Uefa headquarters in Switzerland on June 25.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Parents reminded of vaccinations ahead of summer holidays Parents in Wales booking their summer holidays are being reminded to make sure they also book an appointment for their children to receive their vaccinations. Public Health Wales has issued a reminder that diseases rare in the UK do still circulate in popular holiday destinations and can be a serious threat to Welsh children. Parents are being urged not only to ensure their children receive the vaccinations required for travel abroad, but also to arrange for them to catch up on any of the routine vaccinations given in the UK that they might have missed.

One in 10 households in parts of Wales visit A&E once a month - Wales News - News - WalesOnline One in 10 households in parts of Wales their local A&E department an average of once a month – because it is more convenient than going to their GP. Figures mapping A&E visits by postcode across Wales show those living near hospitals have the highest levels of use. Several of the areas where families visit their local emergency department most frequently are in the South Wales valleys, with CF47 – Merthyr Tydfil – seeing the equivalent of nine visits for every 100 homes. Just under 10% of homes in nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf record seek medical attention in hospitals at least once a month. Postcodes around Prince Phillip Hospital in Llanelli, Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital all saw high levels of visits.

  Businesses are invited by Dewis Menter in conjunction with CBSA's eBusiness Club to a free business networking and website event entitled: The Keys to Website Success Date: Wednesday 23rd May Time: 5:30pm Location: Llety Cynin, Llangynin Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire SA33 4JR Buffet Reception Dewis Menter aims to encourage enterprise and business development for individuals and businesses throughout rural Carmarthenshire. CBSA is the Chamber for Business and Social Action (Wales Why you should be there: The development of a website is more than just the content. How you engage the users of your website can make a big difference in the conversion rate from visitors into customers; In his presentation Nigel T Packer, eBusiness consultant, will share insights and strategies in his development of a website that will effectively build your online business. Spaces are limited! To confirm your attendance, please email: dewismenter@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or phon...

Help us win! Dyfed Powys Police - finalist for innovation in frontline services award | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police’s 'in house' experts have developed an innovative system that is saving hundreds of thousands of pounds. The system will allow the police to focus on community priorities and intelligence. Dyfed Powys Police has been selected for the shortlist of an award of ‘Innovation Nation’, an initiative between The Guardian and Virgin Media Business to uncover the UK’s most innovative organisations and people. The award is for ‘Innovation in frontline services’.

News and pictures from Friday's Carmarthen Town AFC Sportsman's Dinner at the Ivy Bush Hotel - http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/sportsman2012.html

It's all 'blue' looking out of the attic window. Odds-on for relocation of the 'office' to the Discovery Centre at the beach later . . .

Hywel Dda Health Board | Powys Public Health Team marks Stroke Awareness Month May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Powys Public Health Team is reminding residents of how to recognise the signs of a stroke. A stroke is a problem with a blood supply to parts of the brain, which can result in patients losing a function such as the use of a limb or the ability to speak, sometimes permanently.

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery WEEK COMMENCING 21/05/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 BBQ CHICKEN PASTIES £2.00 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 2 FRESH CREAM ECLAIRS £1.60 2 CUSTARD SLICES £1.50 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & STUFFING £2.10 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – HAM & CHEESE £2.20 CHICKEN TIKKA CIABATTA £2.15 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL ANNIVERSARY £1.05 LOAF OF THE WEEK – 2 BAKESTONES *Save 10p* £1.10 Find out more on their website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Carmarthenshire pubs are being given a chance to let visitors know the welcome that awaits them. The county council is preparing to launch a Pub of the Week campaign to give the best pubs in Carmarthenshire the chance to set out their stall. The council’s tourism section came up with the campaign after looking at how to best to channel Carmarthenshire’s diverse range of pubs into helping to get visitors to Carmarthenshire and into making sure visitors get the experience they desire when they are here. From the week of June 11, the county council is funding a new promotion with Radio Carmarthenshire and Scarlet FM to identify pubs from across the whole of Carmarthenshire that can become Carmarthenshire Pub of the Week. This will give them free on-air promotion, inclusion in the pubs / food drink feature on www.discovercarmarthenshire.com and other leaflets and tourism promotions as well as communication to the county council’s 9,500 employees. The council’s marketing and tourism manager...

Dyfed Powys Police proposes adapting services to better meet public demand | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police is proposing to adapt its services to better meet demand following an internal Review into how the Force deals with the way the public contact them. The Review reveals people have changed how they contact the police and fewer people are attending police stations, a trend the Force foresees is likely to increase in future due to changes in people’s behaviour and developments in new technology used by the Force. Statistics show a low number of people visiting stations. The Force is developing alternative ways of engaging with the public. For instance, through mobile police stations, increased use of mobile data equipment by police officers, holding extra police surgeries and working with partner agencies.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Improving quality reduces costs, according to new white paper NHS Wales can provide superior care while saving money according to a new 1000 Lives Plus white paper, described as a “pivotal document” by David Sissling, Chief Executive of NHS Wales. Improving Quality Reduces Costs – Quality as the Business Strategy contains case studies where care outcomes have improved while many thousands of pounds have been saved. It also outlines the exciting possibilities that can result from closer co-operation between clinical staff and financial managers when both are motivated to do what is best for the person receiving care.