LOCAL MS Samuel Kurtz has warned that the Welsh Government’s latest approach to NHS dentistry could worsen access to vital dental care, leaving millions in Wales struggling to secure treatment.

More than 1.5 million people in Wales are currently unable to register with an NHS dentist, with many facing years-long waits for treatment. Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said the crisis was one of the most pressing concerns raised by his constituents.

‘The system is failing’

“The system is failing,” Kurtz said. “Patients are left in pain, dentists are overwhelmed, and public trust in NHS dentistry is eroding—all while the Welsh Labour Government sits back and watches this crisis unfold.”

At the heart of the issue is the government’s offer of a 6% funding increase, tied to a mandatory reform programme that has drawn fierce criticism from dental professionals. The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that the conditions attached could drive even more dentists out of the NHS, deepening the crisis.

Kurtz called for urgent intervention, saying: “With more dentists handing back NHS contracts, it’s clear the system isn’t working. This latest move risks delivering the final blow to NHS dentistry in Wales.”

He urged the government to rethink its approach, adding: “The Welsh Government must work with, not against, dentists to deliver meaningful reform, tackle patient backlogs, and ensure access to dental care improves—not deteriorates further.”

‘A spectacular display of bad faith’

Welsh General Dental Practice Chair Russell Gidney also condemned the government’s approach.

“This is a spectacular display of bad faith from the Welsh Government,” he said. “The sole authors of record-breaking delays on pay are based in Cardiff Bay. For the first time, ministers have sought to tie the hands of demoralised dentists.”

He criticised the decision to make pay rises conditional on signing up for changes that could undermine the service.

“This forces colleagues to sign up to a deal that fails to keep pace with soaring costs,” he added. “It should come as little surprise to the Welsh Government that no health professional is going to roll over and welcome a pay cut.”

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HYWEL Dda University Health Board is organizing pop-up community vaccine centres to make it easier for eligible individuals to access their flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

To check your eligibility for the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine:

• Visit: phw.nhs.wales
• Contact the health board: 0300 303 8322 (Option 1)
• Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible, you can either drop in at one of the centres listed below or book an appointment using the details above.

New clinics are being arranged for February. Stay updated by visiting the health board’s webpage:
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations

Vaccination Centres and Schedules

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthen Athletic RFC
Athletic Park, Johnstown, Carmarthen, SA31 3QY

• Monday, January 27: 9:30am–4:45pm
• Tuesday, January 28: 9:30am–4:45pm
• Wednesday, January 29: 9:30am–4:45pm
• Thursday, January 30: 9:30am–4:45pm

Llandeilo Fawr Civic Hall
17 Crescent Road, Llandeilo, SA19 6HW

• Friday, January 31: 10:00am–4:45pm

Pontyberem Memorial Hall
Coalbrook Road, Pontyberem, Llanelli, SA15 5HU

• Tuesday, February 4: 9:30am–4:30pm

Llandovery RFC
Church Bank Playing Fields, Llandovery, SA20 0BA

• Thursday, February 6: 10:00am–4:30pm
• Friday, February 7: 10:00am–4:30pm

Ceredigion

Tregaron Memorial Hall
The Square, Tregaron, SY25 6JL

• Monday, January 27: 10:00am–4:30pm

New Quay Memorial Hall
Ffordd Towyn Road, New Quay, SA45 9QQ

• Tuesday, January 28: 9:30am–4:45pm
• Wednesday, January 29: 9:30am–4:45pm

The Pwerdy-Powerhouse Community Arts Centre
Chapel Street, Pont Tyweli, Llandysul, SA44 4AH

• Tuesday, February 4: 10:00am–4:45pm
• Wednesday, February 5: 10:00am–4:45pm

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Archives
Prendergast, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PE

• Tuesday, January 28: 9:30am–4:50pm

Regency Hall
King George V Playing Fields, Milford Street, Saundersfoot, SA69 9NG

• Friday, January 31: 9:30am–4:45pm

Neyland MVC
Unit 1, Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE

• Monday, February 3: 9:30am–4:45pm
• Wednesday, February 5: 9:30am–4:45pm

Llwyngwair Manor
Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0LX

• Thursday, February 6: 10:00am–4:30pm

Bloomfield House
Redstone Road, Narberth, SA67 7ES

• Friday, February 7: 10:00am–4:45pm

THE RCN today issued a strong call to action to the Welsh government, urging them to take decisive steps to eradicate corridor care – a practice that is unsafe, undignified, and unsustainable. The most vulnerable in society, including many older people, bear the brunt of corridor care –where patients are treated in hallways and other inappropriate settings due to bed shortages.

Corridor care compromises patient safety and dignity by delaying timely treatment, reducing privacy, and increasing anxiety and stress. For the nursing workforce, it worsens workloads, contributes to burnout, and undermines their ability to provide quality care.

In open letters to the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, key watchdogs and advocates, the RCN has called for action on eight steps to end corridor care in Wales. The RCN’s eight recommendations include protecting patient safety and supporting the nursing profession by declaring care in chairs for over 24 hours a “never event” and fostering a culture where nursing staff can raise safety concerns without fear. Key steps include increase weekend staffing that can enable timely discharges, restoring District Nurse numbers to 2010 levels, and investing in social care to ensure patients can transition from hospitals to appropriate care settings promptly.

Additionally, the Government must pause hospital bed reductions and review capacity to ensure adequate care in both community and hospital settings. Investing in the nursing workforce and fully implementing the Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care programme is critical. NHS Wales must be empowered to divert patients to neighbouring services when necessary, easing pressure on overstretched facilities and improving outcomes.

Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN Wales, said: “Nurses are facing immense challenges in maintaining high standards of patient care amidst the growing prevalence of corridor and chair care in hospitals. The RCN’s recent report starkly highlights the stories of nurses who are striving to provide quality care in these difficult conditions. Despite the lack of proper facilities and the strain of overcrowded hospitals, nurses continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication and resilience. They often work long hours under intense pressure, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care even when resources are stretched thin.”

“Our recommendations provide a clear and achievable roadmap to ensure patients receive care in the right place, at the right time, and by the right professional. The nursing workforce is ready to lead the way – but we need the Welsh government to act now.”

The RCN is calling on the Welsh Government to engage all health care stakeholders, listen to the expertise of the nursing workforce, and prioritise patient safety above all else. The time to end corridor care is now.