Politics

‘NHS must be protected’

Published

11 years ago

April 20, 2015

PLAID CYMRU leader, Leanne Wood, has welcomed the findings of a new Ipsos MORI survey of nearly 1,800 people for the Health Foundation think tank. The survey found that 85% thought the NHS should be protected from cuts – significantly more than other public services. When asked how this should be funded, the majority (59%) supported tax rises.

Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, said: “Our National Health Service is precious and it is essential that it is protected from privatisation and kept free at the point of delivery. Plaid Cymru wholly rejects any moves to privatise the NHS as I stated in the TV leaders debate last Thursday (Apr 2). A price should never be put on the ability of people to access the healthcare they need. That is why budgets for the NHS should be protected and the money raised through general taxation.”

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Business

Calls for award-winning Pembrokeshire sauna to be permanent

Published

4 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to allow the permanent siting of an award-winning Pembrokeshire seaside village outdoor sauna, which has been featured in the national press, have been submitted to the national park.

Back in June 2024, a temporary two-year permission for a mobile wood-fired sauna at Saundersfoot harbour was granted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Since then, a further application by Kerry Evans of Hwyl Outdoor Sauna to make the siting permanent has been submitted to national park planners.

A supporting statement says, since its introduction the sauna has “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focussed on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

It went on to say: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot,” adding: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.

“Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has been featured in two books on the best saunas in the UK.

“The business has also been recognised through tourism and hospitality awards, further demonstrating the quality of the experience provided and the positive contribution it makes to the local visitor offer.”

Back in February, the business, set up by former superyacht worker and mum-of-two Kerry won Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards.

At the time Kerry said: “I could not be more proud of what I have achieved with Hwyl. I am so grateful to my wonderful team, who have made this journey not only possible but genuinely so much fun.”

Kerry ploughed a legacy from her beloved late father into the venture of a Pembrokeshire seafront sauna.

The application for allowing the sauna to be permanent added: “Through the Welsh Government I have been able to secure the funds to install a cold-water shower on Saundersfoot Harbour, which will be open year-round. This will be achieved via Hywel Outdoor Sauna and a weather proofing fund, from the Welsh Government. This facility has also a GoFundMe to raise the remaining costs.”

It concludes: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has established itself as a valued wellbeing facility that benefits both residents and visitors. It enhances the amenities available in Saundersfoot, supports the local economy by encouraging additional visitor activity, and contributes positively to the community through charitable support and engagement.

“The permanent siting of the sauna would allow this successful local small business to continue operating and provide these benefits to the village in a stable and sustainable way.”

The application for a permanent facility will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Community

Withybush hospital Welsh Government intervention call

Published

13 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SENIOR member of the Welsh Government has been accused of “passing the buck” for declining a call to directly intervene in contentious changes to Withybush hospital.

Last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board consulted with its communities on options for change in critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology.

It said its Clinical Services Plan focuses on nine healthcare services that are “fragile and in need of change”.

The proposed changes included an option for Withybush patients needing specialist critical care being transferred to Glangwili.

At a recent two-day meeting, the board, amongst its many other decisions, backed changes into emergency general surgery which will see no emergency general surgery operations taking place at Withybush, but a strengthening of the same-day emergency care (SDEC).

Members stressed the changes would not happen overnight.

Following the decision, calls for intervention have also been made by local Senedd members Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz, who wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care to urge him to intervene and stop the Health Board removing services from Withybush.

That response from the cabinet secretary has been criticised by Mr Kurtz.

In his letter of response, Cabinet Secretary for Health and social Care Jeremy Miles MS stressed planning and delivery of local health services, in this case “scheduled to begin in the next Senedd term, with a time horizon of up to four years to complete,” were, under statutory arrangements for NHS Wales, “the responsibility of health boards”.

Responding, Sam Kurtz said: “The response from the Welsh Health Minister is regrettably, though perhaps unsurprisingly, deeply disappointing. Rather than demonstrating leadership and using the powers that he has as Health Minister, he appears to be passing the buck to the health board despite the profound impact these decisions will have on services in Pembrokeshire.

“There is clear and justified concern among residents. After years of cuts to services at Withybush Hospital, this response will do little to reassure our communities.

“People deserve clarity, accountability, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting vital services. Paul Davies and I will continue to stand firmly in defence of healthcare provision across West Wales.”

The Minister’s letter added: “Since the decision was taken, both the First Minister and I have set out the Welsh Government’s position in answers to questions from members of the Senedd and in debates. We have been very clear that decisions of this nature rest with the health board.”

It went on to say: “In your letter, you raise points about services within the scope of the [Clinical Services Plan] as well as the future of the emergency department at Withybush Hospital. I want to be very clear that emergency department services were not part of the CSP decision.”

The county council has also debated the downgrade plans for Withybush.

A petition to the Senedd against the changes has been created by Crymych resident Ajay Owen, entitled Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention.

The petition, running to August 23, has attracted more than 11,000 signatures to date.

News

Lib Dems criticise Reform over coal and fracking comments

Published

22 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have criticised comments by Reform UK figures suggesting coal mining could be revived in Wales, describing the idea as unrealistic and warning it could damage both the environment and future investment.

The row follows comments by Reform candidate Ben Hodge-McKenna, who said reopening coal extraction using newer and “safer” technology could help meet Wales’ future energy needs. Reform leader Nigel Farage has also previously faced criticism over remarks about sending young Welsh people back down the mines.

Responding to the comments, the Welsh Liberal Democrats said Wales should focus instead on developing newer industries, including floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal energy and green manufacturing.

The party also linked the issue to Reform’s previous support for fracking, arguing that both positions point to what it sees as an over-reliance on older fossil fuel industries rather than long-term economic planning.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: “Reform’s plan to reopen coal mines is pure fantasy politics. It won’t cut bills, it won’t deliver lasting jobs, and it won’t stand up to even the most basic economic scrutiny.

“The fact they also want to open Wales up to fracking tells you everything you need to know. Fracking would destroy our countryside, can cause earthquakes and risks contaminating local water supplies, yet Reform seems willing to ignore those dangers.

“This is a party doubling down on the failed energy policies of the past, with no serious plan for the future.

“Wales cannot build its future by trying to relive its past. Communities that once powered the industrial revolution deserve better than being sold false promises about industries in irreversible decline.

“Instead of chasing yesterday’s solutions, we should be investing in the industries of the future and giving Welsh workers the secure, well-paid jobs they deserve.”

The Welsh Lib Dems said former coalfield communities deserve serious economic plans for regeneration rather than what they described as headline-grabbing promises.

Reform has argued that Wales should be more willing to use domestic energy resources, including fossil fuels, as part of a wider push for energy security and lower costs.

I’d add a line at the end saying Reform was approached for comment, if you have asked them.