HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has today announced the appointment of Mark Henwood as its new Executive Medical Director.

Mark has held the role of Medical Director on an interim basis since February 2024, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer.

He has dedicated most of his career to caring for and treating patients in west Wales. He joined Carmarthenshire NHS Trust in 2006 as a Consultant Upper Gastro Intestinal and General Surgeon. Since then, he has developed his clinical and leadership career at Hywel Dda and was, until he was appointed into the interim post, a Consultant General Surgeon and a Deputy Medical Director.

Mark is an experienced leader and has held several leadership roles within and outside the health board since his first clinical leadership role in 2008. In 2016 he was appointed as the Clinical Director of Scheduled care, and in 2019 he was appointed as Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services. Mark is passionate about professional standards and supporting doctors to be the best they can be.

Phil Kloer, Hywel Dda University Health Board Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that, following a competitive and open process, Mark has been appointed to the Executive Medical Director role. Mark brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His passion for excellence and patient care, together with his longstanding commitment to mid and west Wales, makes him an exceptional choice for this role.”

Speaking of his appointment, Mark said: “I am both honoured and humbled to be appointed to the role and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across Hywel Dda to progress our ambitious plans to ensure that our health care meets the needs of both current and future generations.

“Together, we will continue to place patients at the heart of everything we do. I am always inspired by the dedication and compassion of our medical teams, who work tirelessly – often in the most challenging of circumstances – to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care. I am committed to supporting them as we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and strive to build a service that our communities can be proud of”

Mark’s appointment is significant step forward in the Health Board’s ongoing commitment to strengthening professional leadership and improving outcomes for patients and communities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire.

A MAJOR public consultation on the future of nine vital NHS services in west Wales is expected to be launched on Wednesday (May 29), following a meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The consultation, part of the board’s Clinical Services Plan, will run until August 31 and seek views on how care is delivered across services including critical care, stroke, radiology, emergency general surgery and orthopaedics. All nine services have been described as “fragile” by the board due to mounting pressures on staff, infrastructure and safety.

The consultation comes after months of political pressure, with elected representatives across parties accusing the health board of presiding over a system that is “not delivering” for the people of west Wales.

Tufnell presses for action

Labour MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Mid and South Pembrokeshire, has already met with Hywel Dda’s leadership several times this year, including a formal meeting with Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer on February 14, where he presented findings from a major survey of over 1,000 local residents.

“There’s still no acceptance by the board that there’s a problem,” Mr Tufnell said. “The management is failing us here in Pembrokeshire. There’s a complete lack of transparency and accountability.”

He said 62% of residents reported waiting over a week for a GP appointment, and 87% believed health services in the region had worsened in recent years. He has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the board demanding transparency on waiting times, patient access, and emergency care capacity.

Although health is devolved to the Welsh Government, Tufnell insists he will continue to apply pressure as the public face of growing discontent in Westminster.

“I want to see concrete commitments to improving patient access and safeguarding the future of local hospitals. The people I represent deserve clarity, not vague promises,” he added.

MSs warn of crisis and call for protection of Withybush

Concern over the future of Withybush Hospital and wider NHS services is also being raised by Senedd Members. On Wednesday (May 22), Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS met with senior Health Board figures to demand urgent action.

“The number one issue in my inbox is unacceptable treatment delays,” Kurtz said. “Behind every statistic is a person — someone living in pain, anxiety, or uncertainty because our health system is not delivering.”

He went further, accusing the Welsh Labour Government of failing after 26 years of overseeing NHS Wales:

“No amount of spin from Labour Ministers can cover up the truth: our health service is in crisis.”

Kurtz and Davies called for full protection of Withybush Hospital and its emergency department, warning that any further downgrading would be “unacceptable to local people.”

Withybush: hospital under strain

Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest remains at the heart of local fears. In 2023, six wards were forced to close due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the structure—leading to the loss of over 100 beds during emergency repairs. Although the hospital reopened in April 2024, officials warn the issue is ongoing, with further scanning and potential closures scheduled later this year.

The hospital has already seen key services centralised or reduced over the past decade, sparking repeated public protests. Critics argue the consultation could be used to justify further cuts.

Consultation opens amid NHS crisis

The Clinical Services Plan proposes to review nine key services across west Wales: critical care, emergency general surgery, stroke, endoscopy, radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and urology.

The Health Board says no preferred option has been chosen and insists the public consultation is vital to shaping future services.

Interim Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said: “We want to hear your views on which options best address the challenges, improve standards, and reduce waiting times. We’re also keen to understand any concerns, impacts, or alternative ideas you may have — including your thoughts on the future role of our main hospitals.”

The consultation launches amid the release of new NHS Wales data showing continued underperformance on cancer treatment targets, delays in A&E departments, and worsening waiting times across many regions—including Pembrokeshire.

Get involved

The public can share views through online questionnaires and at a series of in-person and virtual events running throughout the summer. The consultation results will be considered by the Health Board in November 2025—unless high response levels delay analysis.

To take part or learn more, visit:
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/clinical-services-plan

Residents can also register with the board’s engagement scheme at:
https://www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk/siarad-iechyd-talking-health

Charity urges early diagnosis in Wales during Dementia Action Week

ALMOST half of adults in Wales are unaware that problems with vision can be a common symptom of dementia, according to new research released by Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

The figures come as Dementia Action Week (May 19–24) begins, with the charity aiming to raise awareness of the condition and encourage earlier diagnosis. An estimated 50,000 people are currently living with dementia in Wales — but nearly half of them do not have a formal diagnosis.

The new data reveals that 50 per cent of Welsh adults did not recognise changes in vision as a symptom of dementia. One in ten people surveyed could not identify a single common symptom.

Vision-related symptoms can include difficulty judging distances, trouble recognising objects, and misinterpreting patterns or reflections. Larger print may also become harder to read.

Other commonly overlooked signs include changes in mood or communication difficulties. Across the UK, only 61 per cent of adults recognised problems with communication as a symptom, and 64 per cent identified mood changes.

Rachel Nelson, Country Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “At Alzheimer’s Society, we see too many people delaying seeking a diagnosis because they’re scared or unsure what it will mean.

“A diagnosis is not the end. It’s the beginning of getting the right support, making informed choices and living well.

“That’s why this Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging everyone to learn more about the symptoms of dementia and to seek help if they notice changes in themselves or someone close to them.”

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is promoting a free online symptom checklist to help people better understand the warning signs and take action.

Corinne Mills, Interim CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, added: “More than a third of people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, meaning they’re missing out on the vital care, support, and treatment they need.

“Our research shows that 97 per cent of people affected by dementia saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis.”

The six most common symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss – especially of recent events
• Difficulty organising thoughts – trouble making decisions or solving problems
• Problems with communication – struggling to find the right words or follow conversations
• Problems with vision – difficulty judging distances or seeing edges of objects
• Confusion about time or place – losing track of the day or forgetting where they are
• Changes in mood or personality – becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn

The charity emphasises that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and early diagnosis allows access to treatments, care options, and the ability to plan ahead — including appointing a power of attorney and managing finances.

To check symptoms or get support, visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. Welsh language support is available on 03300 947 400.

Photo caption: Supporting early diagnosis: Alzheimer’s Society Cymru urges people to check symptoms and seek help during Dementia Action Week (Pic: Alzheimer’s Society).