Ammanford
Flu vaccination sessions held to protect carers in Carmarthenshire

Flu vaccination sessions specifically for domiciliary care workers and residential care home staff in the county are being held for the first time.
Carmarthenshire County Council is working in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board to ensure a key priority group of staff have access to the vaccination ahead of the winter months.
The sessions, which are being held at day centres in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli, are open to council staff as well as those in the private sector.
A pharmacist is on hand to deliver the vaccine to up to 42 members of staff at each session on an appointment basis. The authority has supported those members of staff who have requested the vaccine by working around their rotas.
More than 200 carers within the authority and from the private sector have been vaccinated to date.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for health and social care, Cllr Jane Tremlett, said: “As flu vaccinations are more in demand than ever this year we felt it was essential that we made sure that our front line staff who are supporting the most elderly and vulnerable in the community are protected. By working together with the local health board these sessions have made it easier for staff who may have found it difficult to get a slot to fit around their work to be able to get the vaccination by us organising appointments at a time to suit them.”
Angela Evans, Head of Community Pharmacy at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Protecting care home staff with a flu vaccine is more important than ever. We hope these flu clinics for domiciliary care staff have provided a convenient way for these key workers to access the vaccine and protect themselves and their clients from flu this winter. I’d like to thank everyone involved in this partnership working between social care colleagues and pharmacists across Carmarthenshire as we aim to protect as many people from flu this winter.”
(Lead image: Carmartehnshire Council)
Ammanford
Man who filmed rape on Ammanford victim’s phone changes plea mid trial

A man who filmed himself raping an Ammanford woman on his victim’s phone has changed his plea to guilty midway through his trial.
Cameron Hassan, aged 31, of no fixed abode, attacked the woman, raping her as she slept on 21 August 2021.
Hassan had been on trial at Swansea Crown Court after denying any wrongdoing. However, after the jury was shown the video of the attack and hearing the victim was going to give evidence yesterday (Tuesday, 10 May), Hassan changed his plea to guilty.
Investigating Officer DC Sophie Lambert from Dyfed Powys Police said the victim had shown great strength and determination throughout the investigation.
“I must commend her tremendous courage in coming forward and the tenacity shown throughout the investigation,” she said.
“We hope this case demonstrates that Dyfed-Powys Police acts on serious allegations such as rape and sexual assault with officers working tirelessly to secure justice for victims.
“If you are suffering because of similar abuse, please contact the police, or if you would rather speak to someone in confidence, New Pathways are an independent charity that will support you through every step of the investigation.”
New Pathways can be contacted at 01685 379 310 or email enquiries@newpathways.org.uk
(Lead image: Google Maps)
Ammanford
Police appeal after cyclist dies in Garnant accident

Dyfed Powys Police have issued an appeal after a cyclist died in a single vehicle road traffic collision on Friday (6 May).
The accident took place around 8.45pm outside the Discovery Book Shop on Cwmamman Road in Garnant, Ammanford.
A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Sadly the 58 year-old male rider of the pedal cycle sustained serious injuries and passed away in hospital.
“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the pedal cycle at the relevant time, or who may have dashcam footage if they travelled along this stretch of road at the time, to get in touch.
“Also local residents and business owners are asked to contact Police if they have any CCTV footage covering the location.”
(Lead image: Google Maps)
Ammanford
Plans to close GP surgery in Tycroes revealed

Margaret Street Practice has applied to Hywel Dda Health board to close its branch surgery in Tycroes.
The surgery in Tycroes has been closed since February 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the building served as a ‘red site’ for the Amman Gwendraeth GP cluster.
Prior to the pandemic, the branch was used mainly for blood tests at the phlebotomy clinic.
Since its temporary closure, patients of Tycroes have used Margaret Street Practice, around two miles away in Ammanford.
There is a regular bus route between the two Surgeries.
In a statement, the health board said: “Margaret Street Practice, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Community Health Council are working together to engage with patients of both surgeries to gain an understanding of how a proposed closure would affect patients.
“A period of engagement commences on Monday 9 May and runs until Friday 24 June.
“Should Tycroes close, the potential benefits for patients include more available appointments for all patients at the Margaret Street Practice, as staff would not be covering two sites, and earlier and later appointments could be offered from Margaret Street.
“Patients would still be able to use the Tycroes Pharmacy and the Practice would continue to send all requested prescriptions to the pharmacy.”
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are committed to listening to and engaging with local populations around the proposal to relocate Primary Care services from Tycroes Surgery to Margaret Street and we would therefore like to invite patients to get involved in the engagement process.
“We are committed to working closely with the Practice and the Community Health Council throughout this process and will keep patients informed of the results of this engagement exercise.”
Vice Chair of Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Dr Barbara Wilson said: “GP services are so important to the communities they serve. When the health board comes to make its decision about the future of Tycroes branch surgery, it’s crucial that the public have their say.
“Whether people support this proposal or oppose it, the CHC will be ensuring that those views are heard and understood by the health board.”
The consultation is available online, on paper forms at Margaret Street Surgery, by calling 0300 303 8322, option 4, by emailing Hyweldda.Engagement@wales.nhs.uk or by writing to Tracey Huggins, Head of GMS Services, Primary Care Team, Felinfoel Community Resource Centre, Felinfoel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 8BE
(Lead image: Google Maps)
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