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Welsh Conservatives lead call for urgent NHS reform

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THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES are demanding urgent action to address the worsening crisis in Wales’ NHS, calling on the Labour-run Welsh Government to enact emergency reforms. In response to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report, ‘On the Frontline of the UK’s Corridor Care Crisis’, the Conservatives have tabled a motion in the Senedd, demanding immediate measures to tackle corridor care, overcrowding, and deteriorating hospital conditions.

Welsh Conservatives demand urgent action

The motion, set to be debated next week, states:

  1. Notes the Ending Corridor Care in Wales report published by the Royal College of Nursing Wales.
  2. Regrets that people in Welsh hospitals are being treated in unsafe, undignified, and unacceptable environments.
  3. Calls on the Welsh Government to enact the report’s eight recommendations in full.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Health and Social Care, James Evans MS, has condemned Labour’s management of the NHS, stating:

“Under the Welsh Labour Government, people in Welsh hospitals continue to be treated in unsafe, undignified, and unacceptable environments.

“On Labour’s watch, we’ve seen hospital beds axed, hospitals downgraded, and new ones promised but not delivered, and Emergency Department performance that is worse than elsewhere in Great Britain.

“In the Senedd next week, we’re calling on the Welsh Labour Government to enact the Royal College of Nursing’s eight recommendations to ensure urgent action and transparency on corridor care in Wales.”

RCN report highlights systemic failures

As we reported last week, the Royal College of Nursing Wales report has exposed widespread failures in Welsh hospitals, describing a system where patients are forced to wait in corridors, sometimes for hours, in unsafe and undignified conditions. The RCN states that government inaction has directly contributed to avoidable patient deaths, citing severe hospital overcrowding and critical staffing shortages.

Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN Wales, urged immediate government intervention:

“Nurses are facing immense challenges in maintaining high standards of patient care amidst the growing prevalence of corridor and chair care in hospitals.

“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.”

Llais report adds to mounting pressure

The latest findings from Llais, the statutory body representing the public’s voice in Welsh health and social care, further support the RCN’s damning assessment of NHS Wales. Their survey of over 700 people revealed severe delays, ambulance backlogs, and an overstretched system unable to cope with demand.

A patient at Morriston Hospital’s emergency department described the situation as dire: “I drove because the ambulance ETA was 7-8 hours, but I had severe chest pain and couldn’t wait that long.”

The study also found that many patients are forced to arrange their own transport to hospital, sometimes at great personal cost, due to long ambulance wait times.

Critical incidents declared

The Llais report warns that the pressures on Welsh emergency services are not temporary but systemic. Since the study was conducted, ‘business critical incidents’ have been declared by both the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Other health boards, including Swansea Bay and Cwm Taf Morgannwg, have issued urgent warnings about overwhelming demand.

Calls for immediate change

The combined reports from Llais and the RCN call for urgent action on multiple fronts, including:

  • Faster ambulance response times
  • Better coordination between emergency services and primary care
  • Increased staffing and resource allocation
  • Improved dignity and care for patients waiting in corridors
  • Greater transparency and accountability from NHS Wales and the Welsh Government

A system at breaking point

With emergency care in Wales under “extreme and unsustainable pressure,” as described by Llais Chair Professor Medwin Hughes, many patients and staff feel abandoned in a system that is failing them.

“The dignity of patients is not even being considered anymore. The system is chaotically inefficient and in desperate need of a review,” one patient at Glan Clwyd Hospital remarked.

With the Welsh Conservatives pushing for immediate action in the Senedd and the RCN calling for an overhaul of emergency care, the pressure is mounting on the Labour-run Welsh Government to provide answers—and, more importantly, solutions.

 

Crime

Boxer and MMA fighter killed in Blaenavon attack as man admits murder

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A MAN has admitted murdering a well-known boxer and mixed martial arts fighter who was found seriously injured at a Blaenavon address.

Duane Keen, aged 47, was discovered with catastrophic injuries at a property on Riverside Drive in Blaenavon during the early hours of Thursday, October 17 last year. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kai Pennell, aged 35, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday (Feb 6), where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He also admitted criminal damage relating to the destruction of a white Suzuki Swift belonging to Rebecca Phillips. A further allegation of making threats to kill will not proceed to trial.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the court that only a life sentence can be imposed for murder, with the minimum term to be decided at a later hearing. Pennell, of Riverside Drive, was remanded in custody and will return to court for sentencing on February 24.

Police were called to the address shortly after 2:00am. Witnesses reported armed officers, paramedics and an air ambulance attending, while the street was sealed off as forensic teams began their investigation.

In a statement, Gwent Police previously confirmed a major emergency response had been launched following reports of serious violence.

Family members paid tribute to Mr Keen, describing him as a dedicated sportsman and a loyal friend.

They said: “Duane was a talented boxer and MMA all-rounder with lots of belts to his name. He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone.

“He loved being with his dogs and out walking with them. Duane will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. There are no words to express what we as a family are going through.

“Duane, you were a champ in the ring, but you were the biggest champ to us.”

The court heard that sentencing will take place later this month, when the judge will determine how long Pennell must serve before he can be considered for release.

Further details of the circumstances surrounding the killing are expected to be outlined at that hearing.

 

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Crime

Teenager dies as five arrested in Abertridwr murder probe

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FIVE people have been arrested after a teenage boy died following an incident at a property in Abertridwr.

Officers from Gwent Police were called to Lower Francis Street at around 5:45pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a 17-year-old had suffered a serious injury.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the teenager, who was from Abertridwr, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Three men — aged 26 from London, 24 from Abertridwr and 18 from Cardiff — have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Two women — aged 28 from Hereford and 24 from Senghenydd — were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All five remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said officers would maintain an increased presence in the area.

She said: “We understand that reports of this nature are concerning, and residents will see more officers locally while we continue our investigation.

“It is important that people do not speculate about the identities of those involved, as this could hinder our enquiries.

“If anyone has information, please speak to officers or contact us in the usual way.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log reference 2600038325, contact police via social media or the force website, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

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Health

£2m hospital upgrade to ease A&E pressure at Carmarthen site

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MAJOR refurbishment work has begun at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Glangwili Hospital after more than £2 million in funding was secured from the Welsh Government.

The £2.096m investment will be used to overhaul the hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, creating extra consultation rooms, a redesigned reception, and a more comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

Health chiefs say the expanded unit will help reduce pressure on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department by allowing more people to be treated quickly without needing an overnight stay.

The project forms part of wider efforts to improve urgent and emergency care across the health board’s sites, including the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Keith Jones, Director of Operational Planning and Performance for the health board, said the funding would increase capacity and speed up patient flow.

He said: “This investment will help us reduce pressure on the Emergency Department and provide a smoother, swifter experience for patients. We’re grateful to Welsh Government for the support.”

Services temporarily relocated

While the work takes place, several services have moved elsewhere on the hospital site.

The SDEC unit, Discharge Lounge and Medical Day Unit have relocated to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward.

The Cancer Information and Support Service and Cancer Psychological Support Service have also moved, although contact details remain unchanged.

Some clinics, including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy, will stay at the Priory Day Hospital, but patients may need to use different access routes.

Patients are being notified through appointment letters, and extra signage will be in place around the hospital. Staff are urging visitors to check their letters carefully or contact departments directly if unsure where to attend.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the upgrade would help tackle overcrowding and delays.

He said: “This investment will reduce waits, ease handover pressures and improve the overall experience for patients and staff when they need urgent or emergency care.”

Work is expected to continue over the coming months.

 

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