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

Welsh language campaigners have destroyed roadside signs and trespassed on the Evan-Evans brewery site to deface promotional banners promoting this weekend’s Llandeilo Jazz Festival, it is claimed. Jazz at Llandeilo 2013 is a sell-out and the West Wales market town is expecting more than 2,000 visitors for the festival. Jazz Festival promoter Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans brewery, said “No other brewer in Wales has done more to promote Welsh brewing and hospitality than me. “The reason we have not been able to brand the festival in Welsh is one of cost. “Last year, my company spent £15,000 getting Jazz in Llandeilo started for the benefit of the town as a whole. This year, we hoped other companies would step forward and support the festival but they have not, so we have had to scale back the level of promotional support. “This year, the festival is set to raise significant sums for the two primary schools, including Ysgol Teilo Sant in Llandeilo, to help pur...

Safety tests are to be carried out on memorials at Ammanford Cemetery. The works are being undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council for health and safety reasons. The council has a legislative duty to ensure all memorials in this cemetery are in a safe and stable condition. Testing will begin on the week commencing July 31 on memorials in section Q. Memorials found to be in a dangerous condition will be fitted with a temporary support. Remedial works will then be carried out by local monumental masons and the full cost will be paid for by the council. Families affected will be contacted in writing. Executive board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “I would like to reassure relatives that any headstones which fail the safety test and require remedial work will be restored to the same high standard as they were originally erected and that the works will be undertaken with respect and dignity. Furthermore, the full cost of any re-instatement work will be met by t...

Social entrepreneur Kevin Green was delighted to give the Prince of Wales first hand feedback on how The Prince’s Trust is helping change lives. The multi-millionaire from Burry Port was one of a number of businesspeople who met the prince at the youth charity’s new Cardiff centre. “It was, of course, a great honour to meet the Prince,” said Kevin. “The enthusiasm that he has for The Prince’s Trust really shines through. “In recent months, I have been able to see first hand what good work The Prince’s Trust does in Wales. “As an entrepreneur and businessman, I hope I was able to give the Prince some great feedback on what The Prince’s Trust means to so many people and how it works so hard to help our young people realise their full potential. “The Prince’s Trust is obviously close to the Prince’s heart and he had some excellent questions about the small part I am trying to play in helping the charity as a supporter of The Prince’s Trust.” The prince is the youth charity’s Founder ...

Llandeilo Jazz 2013 is a complete sell out. But there’s still the chance to join in the fun, with plenty of street music lined up for the weekend. “With more than 250 musicians and a wide variety of music, from Trad Jazz through to Gypsy, we are going to have a wonderful time,” said festival organiser Simon Buckley, chief executive of Llandeilo-based Evan-Evans Brewery. “With the promise of three days of excellent weather, it looks as though we are in for a wonderful weekend. Even if you have not got a ticket, there is great line up of street music so come along and join the atmosphere of what will be a great event. “There is something here for everyone, and hopefully we will have raised a sizeable sum for Llandeilo’s primary schools. “The beer is brewed, and I am looking forward to a weekend of great music.” Headline acts for the festival include - Willie Garnett, veteran tenor Saxophonist and Big Band Leader, will play the festival on Sunday July 7th at The Cawdor Hotel accompanied...

Hywel Dda Health Board is exploring the possibilities that the new Cardigan Integrated Care Project could offer - potentially providing opportunities for more specialist dental care, an on-site pharmacy, in-reach, outreach and healthy living services. New partnerships with groups and organisations in other community settings are also being explored. Community and Primary Care Services General Manager Jina Hawkes explained: “We are currently working with planners and partners in primary care and social services on the final stages of a model of care that will meet the needs of the Cardigan and district population. We are also exploring a huge range of potential opportunities that a new building such as this offers – from involving local GPs, pharmacists and dental services to minor injury care and other ‘walk-in’ services. We are also working with other sectors to make this a community building for use by local residents.” Some of the services planned to be provided include: community ...

The Centre of Excellence for UK Farming (CEUKF), an agri-food supply-chains alliance to help UK Farming address production and sustainability challenges, has announced that its partnership now includes five leading UK research institutions and helps run a number of collaborative agri-food R&D projects. Since its launch in 2011 with seed-funding from food retailer Waitrose, the centre now includes: Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS); NIAB TAG; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute of Northern Ireland (AFBI); Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Harper Adams University. CEUKF delivers briefings and news item for the partners and their projects through its Farming Futures (FF) website, twitter followers and the partners’ wider network. The CEUKF Steering Board of industry and academic leaders is chaired by Lord Curry of Kirkharle who said, “CEUKF is helping to cement relationships through building trust and smoothing lines of commun...

Major strengthening works are being carried out to a Llangadog bridge. The works to the Carreg Sawdde Bridge started on Monday (July 1) and are being carried out by TRJ (Betws) Ltd on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council. The C2146 road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the work; however pedestrian access will be maintained at the site with a temporary footbridge. The duration of the contract is 30 weeks, although there will be a two week shutdown at Christmas, taking the overall scheme to 32 weeks. The road is due to reopen to traffic on February 7, 2014. The project, which is costing more than half a million pounds, will see the replacement of the existing sub-standard bridge deck, which is currently subject to a 7.5 tonne weight limit. The existing abutments and piers will remain, although they will be modified to accommodate the new deck. The strengthening works will result in the existing 7.5 tonne weight limit being removed, benefitting the local rural community...

An eco friendly roadshow is visiting Carmarthen town centre tomorrow, Friday. Carmarthenshire County Council has teamed up with Europe Direct – West Wales European Centre - to celebrate and raise awareness of the wide range of green initiatives in the county working to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage a more sustainable way of living. The Sustainable Living Roadshow is part of a two-day county tour and is an opportunity to spotlight key issues such as pollution, waste, endangered species, natural resources scarcity and climate change. The show will take place at Carmarthen Town Centre (market area) between 11am and 2pm. As part of the event, council recycling officers will be giving advice and information on recycling as well as helping residents to reduce their waste, particularly food waste. There will be cooking demonstrations giving ideas on how to use left-overs to create delicious recipes and sharing tips on growing your own vegetables, upcycling demonstrations on c...

Wales Air Ambulance is announced as Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Charity of the Year for 2013/14. Now in its second year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Charity of the Year appeal seeks to raise vital funds for a worthy cause. Wales Air Ambulance is an all-Wales charity providing crucial emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries. Wales Air Ambulance has carried out more than 17,000 missions to date since its launch on St David’s Day 2001 and relies entirely on public support for its funding. The charity needs to raise £6 million every year to operate the service with each mission on average costing £1,500. Professor April McMahon, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said; “This is such a worthwhile cause, and we are delighted to announce that we’ll be supporting this commendable charity for the next year. “This year, nominations for the charity of the year were sought from University students and staff. A list of 77 nominated charities was whittl...

HRH the Prince of Wales has opened the Llandovery Work Hub – the first rural work hub in Wales. The innovative scheme, which provides a collaborative working space for local businesses, is based above the town’s Tourist Information Centre. The Prince was shown round the Hub and spoke to businesses using the facilities and to staff and representatives of Carmarthenshire County Council. He unveiled the plaque at the Hub and said: “I’m very proud to have this brief opportunity to come and look round the new Hub and literally to open it on its first occasion. “It’s fabulous to see the local authority supporting local business and being so proactive. I am very impressed with the commitment you are making to ensure our communities are sustainable.” The idea of creating the first rural work hub in Wales was formulated based on the results of a recent feasibility study and the outcomes of a workshop held in mid December, which a broad selection of representatives from the town attende...

The hunt is on for a new Gypsy and Traveller site in Llanelli. Recent evidence within Carmarthenshire has indicated a requirement for a new Gypsy and Traveller site to be located within the Llanelli area. Legislation requires that local authorities in preparing their Local Development Plans (LDP) should allocate sufficient land to meet identified needs for Gypsy and Travellers accommodation. As a result, in January 2013 Carmarthenshire County Council invited landowners, developers, and any other interested parties to submit potential sites for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation to be considered for inclusion within the emerging LDP. The consultation exercise which took place resulted in three sites being submitted for consideration. They are - Gypsy Lane, Llangennech land at Penprys Road, Llanelli land at Berwick, Llanelli. The council is now publishing these three sites for consultation in order to provide the public and other interested parties with the opportunity to comm...

A new project launched in Llanelli will enable more patients with advanced and incurable illness to be cared for in their own home in their last phase of life. Given the choice, 74% of patients receiving end of life care wish to spend their time at home and thanks to an incredible donation of £50,000 from the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice Committee, staff from Hywel Dda Health Board and Carmarthenshire County Council today launched the End of Life Equipment Project. Once patients who wish to be cared for at home are identified, the project’s aim is to rapidly provide the required equipment to enable professionals to provide the care needed in the patient’s home, where they can be supported by family and friends in familiar surroundings. Linda Williams, County Director of Carmarthenshire at Hywel Dda Health Board today thanked the committee for their dedication and support: “Living with a terminal illness is an exceptionally emotional and stressful experience for a patient and also their family ...

Aberystwyth University has awarded 42 Entrance Scholarships along with 518 Merit Awards and numerous bursaries and other financial donations to students joining the University for the first time in September 2013. Entrance Scholarship students receive between £1,000 and £1,200 for every year of study, guaranteed accommodation for the duration of the course and an unconditional offer. The Merit Award comes with an unconditional offer and a one-off payment of £1,000 in the first year. The 2012-13 report by OpinionPanel Research found that Aberystwyth University has the best range of scholarships, bursaries and awards of any university in the UK. Gwilym Tudur (pictured above) from Cardiff has been awarded a Senior Entrance Scholarships worth £1,200 a year. “I was taken aback when I heard the news”, he said. “This scholarship really will help me with my living costs and I also intend to spend a great deal on books! “I chose to come to Aberystwyth mainly due to the reputation of the Welsh...

An Amman Valley farmer has been given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay more than £12,000 costs for neglecting her sheep and causing them suffering. Carmarthen Magistrates Court was told that a Carmarthenshire County Council animal welfare officer first visited Valerie Bowen’s property, Blaengrenig Farm in Grenig Road, Glanamman, back in November 2010. Some welfare issues were found and advice and guidance was provided. Mrs Bowen complied with the advice so the matter was dealt with in that way. During the same period in 2011, after responding to a complaint, some of the sheep were found to be infected with sheep scab. Notices under the sheep scab order were served and again the notices and advice was acted upon. Then in early 2012 further complaint were received and the conditions were found to be totally unacceptable and enforcement action was undertaken from that point after Mrs Bowen failed to act upon comprehensive advice given. Sheep carcasses were found in fields, r...

Pembrokeshire is taking part in an international research project looking at improving co-ordinated care for patients. The county has been selected as one of five demonstrator sites within the UK to participate in the international research project with the King’s Fund, an independent charity working to improve health and healthcare Through a UK based comparison of innovative case studies and the AETNA foundation; the research aims to understand the key components of effective models that can be used to deliver care co-ordination in different contexts. A development day was recently hosted by the Hywel Dda Health Board Pembrokeshire Community Care 'Closer to Home' team in Haverfordwest. The research team from the King’s Fund carried out staff interviews, observation visits and meetings and the Pembrokeshire organisations, including Shalom and Pembrokeshire Dementia Group, had the opportunity to meet people from the other demonstrator sites who are participating in the research....

More than 400 healthcare workers increased their awareness of dementia at a special event in Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. The conference was the first of its kind, providing an opportunity for those involved in the care of dementia patients to increase their knowledge of specific care requirements and share best practice. Presentations were made by Hywel Dda Health Board staff, as well as private and voluntary agencies, covering a variety of topics, from managing nutrition in dementia care to dementia specific issues in managing pain. A poster presentation and dementia information room detailed the innovative work carried out by the Health Board including the Butterfly Scheme, which identifies patients with dementia thus highlighting their care needs. The scheme, initially rolled out at Withybush Hospital, was the first of its kind to be launched in Wales. Withybush Hospital Sister Lisa Marshall said : "We are absolutely delighted with the attendance and the support from h...

No room at the inn for this column in the Llanelli Star this week, so here it is . . . Four Llanelli choirs excelled themselves as they performed under the glare of the TV lights at the Ffwrnes theatre in Llanelli last week. The special occasion saw four editions of S4C’s Noson Lawen Welsh language variety programme recorded back-to-back at Ffwrnes. Côr Meibion Llanelli, the Hywel Girls Choir and Hywel Boys Singers, Cantata and the Ysgol y Strade choir all took part in the recording sessions on four consecutive nights. “It was a wonderful occasion to put Llanelli in the spotlight,” said Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas. “The shows will be broadcast later in the year. It just shows what a rich place Llanelli is for great choral singing. To have four choirs from the town featured in the TV recordings is a great achievement.” Excitement is building for Côr Lleisiau Hardd’s big date at Ffwrnes. All the signs are that the concert on Saturday, July 13, will be a se...

No room at the inn for this column in Llanelli Star this week, so here it is . . .  The team at the St Elli Shopping Centre is gearing up for one of its largest ever craft fairs tomorrow (Thursday). “We are expecting something like 26 different craft stalls,” said St Elli Shopping Centre manager Andrew Stephens. The event is part of our regular series of events held in conjunction with the Gilded Lili Craft Fair. “The craft fairs are always popular but we are expecting a record number of stallholders to attend on Thursday. “There will be something for everyone – and, of course, all our regular centre shops will be glad to welcome visitors old and new to the centre.” ------------------------------------------- July events This week until Sat 6th, Eon, ASDA Entrance Thu 4th Fri 5th Sat 6th, Gilded Lili Craft Fair, Pyramid area Thursday 4th, Work Ways advertise our services to the unemployed more in line with the changes in government legislation, Cone area Market Hall entr...

The latest Carmarthen Journal 'Iechyd Da' beer column by Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley, chief executive of Evan-Evans Brewery -  Where else in the Celtic world would we accept another country dumping products in our marketplace? Could you see the French accepting that? Or our Spanish cousins? Yes, dear reader, I am about to have a rant, but one that I know every one of you will read in disbelief. You, in turn, will ask the questions: why are we letting it happen, and why as a consumer nation are we drinking these products? Those who have bravely followed my brewing career will know that 10 years ago I (along with a small group of Welsh brewers) led a campaign to fight the demise of the great Welsh brewing industry and the establishment of Worthington Best Bitter as the No1 brand here in Wales. The power of the mega-brewers was almost too much for us smaller guys and the routes to market were dominated by the large English brewers. However we took the fight to them ...

Aberystwyth University and Aberystwyth University Students’ Union are pleased to announce the publication of the new Student Charter. The new Charter presents a clear, single-page outline of the mutual roles and responsibilities of the University, Students’ Union and of individual students. The development of the new Charter has been encouraged and supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), which has strived for all HE institutions to jointly agree a charter with their Student Unions. Jess Leigh, Education Officer and Sam Reynolds, Student Representation and Experience Co-ordinator of the Students’ Union, worked in conjunction with Professor John Grattan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and International, and the University Executive to agree areas of responsibility and what will be expected from each party. The aim of the Charter is to inform students of what they should be able to expect and what is required of them. Of the publication, Jess Lei...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday are you Screening for Life? This Healthy Wednesday we’re supporting Public Health Wales’ brand new ‘Screening for Life’ campaign to raise awareness and highlight the importance of participating in screening programmes. Screening for Life is a brand new health campaign run by the Screening Division of Public Health Wales. The campaign will run during the month of July with the aim of raising awareness of the national screening programmes in Wales. Do you know about the free screening services available to you living in Wales? Also do you know if your GP has your up to date contact details? Those who are eligible for screening programmes are identified from GP lists so it is important that your doctor always has your correct date of birth and contact information. Depending on your age or gender you may be eligible for some of the following programmes: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screeni...

Professor Chris Thomas has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University with responsibility for Research and Academic Quality. The appointment was confirmed by the University’s Council and is central to the delivery of the University’s ambitious five-year Strategic Plan. Professor Thomas currently holds the Chair in Ecological Modelling in CIRRE (Centre for Integrated Research in the Rural Environment) and was appointed to the post in 2007 as part of the Aberystwyth/Bangor Strategic Alliance. He is former Director of International Development at IBERS and in his new role, will be Professor of Zoology at IBERS. As a member of the University’s Executive, Professor Thomas will play a key role in providing leadership for the robust delivery of academic quality processes, leading on ways in which academic quality can be further embedded into the academic life of Aberystwyth University. He will also be responsible for developing and articulating the University’s strategy in...

Aberystwyth is one of the best universities in the UK for supporting gay, lesbian and bisexual students according the latest version of Stonewall’s Gay by Degree University Guide 2014. With a score of 9 out of 10, Aberystwyth is one of 21 universities named as Stonewall Diversity Champions. The average university score is 4.5. Aberystwyth received Stonewall’s tick of approval for its anti-homophobic bullying policy and mandatory training, explicit welfare support and information for LGB students, LGB society and events, consultation and specific care for LGB students, LGB staff network and engagement with the wider community. Olymbia Petrou, Equalities Advisor at Aberystwyth University said: “Both student and staff LGBT networks are delighted with the result. The networks work hard to make Aberystwyth a welcoming and friendly environment for all students and staff. We are pleased with the consistent progress that has been made, e.g. AberPride is the most attended LGBT student society...

Latest results from the Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club in Pembrey – Olwen Davies Trophy 1, Eleanor Roberts, 34 pts (21); 2, Sophie Anderson, 34 pts (05); 3, Anne Walker, 33 pts (17). Past Captain’s Gold Medal 1, Graham Byng, 36 pts (11); 2, Jeff Lowe, 36 pts (09); 3, Elwyn Morgan, 36 pts (23). Howard White Bogey 1, Catherine Jones, 5 up (12); 2, Fiona Halpin, 2 up (17); 3, Gillian Byng, All Sq. (28). Cavalier Cup 1, Stuart Goddard, 85 - 16 = 69; 2, Michael Key, 78 - 09 = 69; 3, Anthony Jones, 88 - 17 = 71. Broomhill Cup and Medal 1, Barbara Buckland, 107 - 27 = 80; 2, Margaret Richards, 105 - 24 = 81; 3, Marie Hale, 105 - 24 = 81. Colliver Bowl 1, Dennis Hughes, 79 - 10 = 69; 2, John Jenkins, 83 - 13 = 70; 3, Keith Charles, 87 - 16 = 71. Junior Mel Williams Trophy 1, Osian Bowen, 42 pts (21); 2, Jordan William Davies, 38 pts (07); 3, Jared Llyr Phillips, 37 pts (25).

An innovative new Health and Wellbeing suite opened recently at Llandybie Public Memorial Hall. The Health and Wellbeing suite will provide services for people from Llandybie and the surrounding area and has been funded through the Welsh Government Community Facility and Activity Programme and Carmarthenshire County Council’s County Collaboration Fund. The Hall committee aim to ensure the sustainability of the building by developing a range of local community based health and wellbeing services including: clinical services provided in partnership with Hywel Dda, foot care, community based children and young people’s projects and local community based carers’ support. To help to achieve this they have received funding from RDP Sir Gâr’s Rural Community Inclusion to recruit a Development Worker who will ensure the smooth running of the new building as well as building partnerships to deliver the services. They will facilitate online consultations with specialist care units, reducin...

Hywel Dda Health Board will welcome a new Director of Operations and Delivery in August. Paul Hawkins is currently Director of Operations Planned Care in Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust. The major London Trust provides acute services for a population of more than half a million people. Hywel Dda Health Board Chief Executive Trevor Purt said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to the team. He has a wealth of experience that he can bring to the organisation having worked in a number of Board director posts during the past 14 years.” Paul has worked in areas including corporate services and re-development, as well as Interim Chief Executive. He was responsible for the design and commissioning of the new Barnet Hospital. Paul said: “I am looking forward to joining Hywel Dda and the team. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of my new colleagues already and I will be making sure that I visit the hospitals and services as soon as possible after my arrival in August.” 

The redevelopment of Aberystwyth University’s prestigious Old College has come a step closer after the University’s Council approved a feasibility study on Monday 24 June. Exciting proposals for an art gallery/museum, artists’ studios, a postgraduate study centre, community/performance spaces, residential accommodation for postgraduate students and visiting academics, a café/restaurant and commercial spaces for small businesses feature in the study prepared by architects Austin-Smith: Lord, in conjunction with Hosta Ltd. Also featured are proposals for other University owned property in the vicinity of the Old College - Rock House (1 and 2 Marine Terrace), which for many years housed the University’s Medical Centre, Y Bwthyn (King Street) and 1,9 and 10 Laura Place. The latter, the Assembly Rooms, includes the Joseph Parry Hall. The total project cost is expected to be in the region of £15m to £20m. The authors consulted extensively with representatives from local businesses and the ...

Pupils at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are getting ready to stage Hairspray the Musical this month. ‘Good morning Baltimore’, ‘The Nicest Kids in Town’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ will be ringing out at venues in Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. “It’s an ambitious show,” said Stagecoach theatre arts school Principal Liane Davies. “But the Stagecoach Main School pupils are up for the challenge. “It’s also a very topical show as Hairspray is currently on a very successful UK tour. Our shows will give you the chance to see the musical on your doorstep. “Tickets are selling fast for the shows, so the advice is to book early. Students will be performing in full costume, alongside a live orchestra and the shows are not to be missed.” The performances will take place on July 10 and 11 at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest, and July 18, 19 and 20 at Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthen. Liane added: “Rehearsals have been going great and the Stagecoach pup...

 Heard the one about the Welsh comedians who were let loose in the Eisteddfod Pavilion? Well, you’re about to hear it again as the Welsh fourth channel S4C broadcasts a special comedy gala night staged at the 2012 Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod. The gala night was billed at the time as ‘the biggest night in Welsh language comedy history’. Now, ‘Gala Comedi’ is being show on TV for the first time (9pm Saturday, July 6) as the highlight of S4C's Comedy Week. The comedy night represented a major breakthrough for the comedians taking part and a bold move by National Eisteddfod organisers. Daniel Glyn (pictured top) was one of the organisers and performers at the gala. He said, “It used to be said that the National Eisteddfod was not the place for stand-up comedy - it didn't appeal to the traditional audience. But, we always doubted whether that was true.” The theory was put to the test by comedians Tudur Owen, Ifan Tregaron, Gary Slaymaker, Dewi Pws Morris, Phil ...

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Dr Cathryn Charnell-White has been appointed Head of the Welsh Department at Aberystwyth University. The appointment was confirmed by University Council and is central to the delivery of the University’s ambitious strategic plan. As Head of the Welsh Department, Dr Charnell-White will play a key role in facilitating collaborative research opportunities in the fields of Welsh and Celtic Studies as well as enhancing the student experience by contributing to the development of challenging new modules and student employability. Dr Cathryn Charnell-White is currently Research Fellow, at the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies and a graduate and former member of staff of the Welsh Department at Aberystwyth University. Speaking after the appointment Dr Charnell-White said: “I am pleased to be given this opportunity to lead the Department of Welsh at an exciting and competitive time for the development of Welsh language provision in Higher Education,” she said. “...

Members of the multidisciplinary stroke teams across Hywel Dda Health Board have shared their methods to improve patient care at a national conference. Six posters from Bronglais Hospital and one each from Withybush Hospital and Prince Philip Hospital were displayed at the Welsh Stroke Conference, with one on patient centred goal planning from the Bronglais Hospital multidisciplinary team being chosen for an official presentation. The patient centred goal planning process has seen a 100 per cent of stroke patients stating they now know about their personal goals compared to just 30 per cent before the changes were implemented. Hywel Dda Health Board has pledged to help prevent 125 people a year suffering a stroke over the next five years. Within the health board 50 people a month are admitted to our hospitals after suffering a stroke. Of these one will die as a result of their stroke and only around 50% will be discharged back to their usual place of residence. The health board p...

Staff from South Pembrokeshire Hospital will be taking part in a sponsored bed push to raise money for charity. The nursing staff at the hospital came up with the idea to raise money for Sunderland Ward through the health board’s Support for Life charity. Sunderland Ward is a joint venture with the health board and Pembrokeshire County Council providing integrated services which work together to provide a happy and safe environment to aid recovery and rehabilitation. The bed push will take place in Pembroke Dock on August 10, leaving the hospital at 11am along route 9, London Road, up Ferry Lane, down Bush Hill in to Main Street, along the commons and back up Bush Hill and along High Street. Julia McQuillan, who is organising the event, said: “We are looking forward to the push and hope people will come out and support us on the day. A cheery wave will be very welcome especially on the hills. There is a collection already started on the ward for people who want to donate but we w...