News

Elderly care crisis: Councils warned over ‘second class citizen’ treatment

Published

10 months ago

April 18, 2025

Underfunding in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire fuels hospital chaos, family hardship, and looming care home closures

VULNERABLE older people in West Wales are being forced to pay for their care—or go without it—due to a worsening funding crisis that experts say is placing them at risk and driving up NHS costs.

A growing “postcode lottery” in council funding has created stark inequalities between local authorities, with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire among the worst hit. Care providers warn that the current situation is not only financially unsustainable but morally indefensible, as elderly people are left stranded in hospitals or charged extra just to receive basic care.

£8,500 less per patient

In Carmarthenshire, research has shown that the local authority pays around £8,500 less per year per person for nursing care than neighbouring Ceredigion. The shortfall is so severe that some care homes have begun charging families extra, or risk closure.

One care home owner, who asked not to be named, told The Herald: “It’s heartbreaking to tell a family: ‘If you can’t pay this, we’ll have to give notice.’ But we can’t make ends meet on Carmarthenshire’s fees. Meanwhile, just over the border in Ceredigion, they pay enough to cover the cost. Why are our residents treated like second class citizens?”

They added that some care homes avoid charging extra and are therefore more likely to receive referrals from the council—but may be located far from a resident’s home town, increasing isolation and hardship for families.

“The system punishes compassion. Homes are closing. And we’re losing places for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Pembrokeshire: NHS under pressure, families stretched

In Pembrokeshire, the situation is no better. While weekly rates are slightly higher than in Carmarthenshire—£908 for nursing care and £986 for EMI—they still fall far short of the actual cost of delivery.

The result? Bed-blocking at Withybush Hospital has reached critical levels.

Elderly patients medically fit for discharge are being kept in hospital, sometimes for weeks, due to a shortage of care home placements.

According to estimates, the cost of keeping an elderly patient in hospital is around £500 per day, compared to less than £200 per day in a care home—making the system not just inefficient but unsustainable.

‘12 months of instability’ ahead

One care group operating six homes in Pembrokeshire says they are facing a £150,000 annual hit due to increased National Insurance contributions and a rise in the Real Living Wage. They’ve warned of “12 months of instability”, with growing pressure on families to pay third-party top-up fees—and a risk that smaller care homes could fold altogether.

Care Forum Wales has estimated the total shortfall across the sector in Wales to be £150 million, describing the situation as an “existential threat” to elderly care.

Council and government response

Pembrokeshire County Council is already grappling with a projected £34.1 million funding gap for 2025–26, with adult social care listed as one of the most significant pressure points. Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire County Council has not issued a public statement on the care home funding disparity, despite repeated concerns from local providers.

The Welsh Government has announced a small uplift in care home fees, from £235.88 to £254.06 per week from April 2025, but providers say it’s nowhere near enough to prevent closures or redundancies.

Some initiatives—such as improved NHS discharge planning and tech-based bed tracking—are being piloted, but sector experts say they will not resolve the crisis without urgent and significant funding increases.

‘Rotten boroughs’ of care?

Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, has slammed the disparity between councils as a form of “institutional prejudice” against the private care sector, which provides the majority of services across Wales.

“It’s a race to the bottom, and elderly people are paying the price. In South West Wales, with the exception of Ceredigion, fee levels are appalling. These councils are like rotten boroughs, offering the least to the most vulnerable.”

“Wales was supposed to be built on equality. But you’d never know it when you look at how care is funded.”

He called on councils and government to rethink their approach, warning:

“Those making these decisions should consider their positions. They are causing harm to families and risking the collapse of care in their communities.”

What happens next?

If no action is taken, providers warn, more care homes will close, families will be left without support, and hospitals will continue to suffer.

“Either we fight to save our homes,” the anonymous care home owner told The Herald, “or we walk away. And then what becomes of the residents?”

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils for comment. This article will be updated if and when responses are received.

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

12 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

14 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

18 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.