South Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthenshire MP Nick Ainger has pledged support for Shalom House, St. David's.

He recently visited Shalom - the first palliative care respite/daycare centre in Pembrokeshire - and was shown around the five-bed unit by founder Margaret Burnett, director of services Renate Thome, and Dr. Rob Jones, who takes over as medical director in September.

Since it opened in November 2007, Shalom has helped more than 60 patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Mr. Ainger spoke to some of the patients and said afterwards: "Everyone was fulsome in their compliments about Shalom House, the staff and atmosphere here. Both the regulars and those who had only been here one day were deeply impressed. Shalom was somewhere they could relax, be pampered and think positive thoughts. It clearly lifts them up."

After learning about future plans, including the bid to obtain registration for 24-hour care at Shalom, Mr. Ainger said: "I want to support Shalom and I think that it is important that there should be a working partnership with the NHS. I will be talking to members of the Local Health Board about the best way to achieve that."