Health

Mental health crisis response plan welcomed — but families say detentions will continue

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Protests at the Senedd as campaigners accuse Welsh Government of failing autistic and learning-disabled people

A MAJOR new mental health strategy promising same-day support in Wales has been overshadowed by rising anger from families who say vulnerable people are still being detained in hospitals simply because of their disabilities or autism.

Police at the A&E department at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth in early April 2025: The vehicles contain patients having a mental heath crisis , and awaiting help. One patient was detained for 19 hours in a police van. (Image: Herald)

The Welsh Government says its ten-year plan will transform mental health support by focusing on early help, social prescribing, and same-day access via GPs and community services. The NHS’s urgent 111 helpline—where callers can “press 2” for mental health support—is now receiving nearly 6,000 calls a month.

***Protest outside the Senedd last year (Pic: Natasha Hirst)***

But critics say that behind the numbers lies a more troubling story—one of systemic failure for people with learning disabilities and autism.

On Wednesday, April 17, protesters from the Stolen Lives campaign gathered outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to accuse ministers of inaction. The campaign was founded by Dr. Dawn Cavanagh, from Hook, Pembrokeshire, whose own son is detained in a secure mental health hospital.

“We are talking about people being imprisoned without committing any crime,” said Dr. Cavanagh. “Their only crime is being disabled. It has traumatised us as a family.”

***People needing mental health support are often criminalised, and reform in needed, campaigners say (Pic: Herald/File)***

The protest brought together families, carers, disability rights groups and allies. Holding placards and banners, they demanded urgent reform and meaningful investment in community care to prevent people being “shut away” in hospitals for years at a time.

Many of those detained are sent far from their families, often to private facilities in England, due to a lack of appropriate housing and support in Wales.

“We’ve had endless promises, meetings, reports—but nothing changes,” said one protester. “We are tired of being told our case is unique. We’re not. This is a national scandal.”

Sophie Hinksman, 39, from Pembrokeshire, was sectioned in 2016 and says she still lives with the trauma.

“If I’d got the right support at home, everything would have been okay,” she said. “Instead I was taken away and left to deteriorate. I’m still trying to come back from that.”

The UK Government’s new Mental Health Bill—adopted in part by the Welsh Government—claims it will limit the ability to detain autistic and learning-disabled people under the Mental Health Act unless they have a co-occurring mental illness. But campaigners say this won’t stop detentions unless proper alternatives are funded.

“If community care isn’t there, they’ll still be detained—just under different legislation like the Mental Capacity Act,” said Dr. Cavanagh.

Data published by the Welsh Government shows 135 people with a learning disability are currently in specialist inpatient services in Wales. In England, over 2,000 people with learning disabilities or autism are detained, and around half have been held for more than two years.

Campaigners say many of those individuals were initially admitted due to crises brought on by poor housing, isolation, or lack of support staff. Once inside, people deteriorate further, delaying discharge indefinitely.

***A protest took place in Westminster on Tuesday (Image: BBC)***

‘Hospitals are not homes’

Joe Powell, Chief Executive of All Wales People First, told the crowd at the Senedd: “Wales led the way 41 years ago with the All Wales Strategy. It said hospitals are not homes and people should live in the community. Now we are going backwards.”

Despite claims of progress, families say that local Health Boards and councils face little accountability when placements fail.

The Welsh Government insists it is committed to reducing inpatient numbers and improving care. A spokesperson said: “We do not agree that people with learning disabilities are being systematically detained inappropriately. Where hospital care is used, a care plan must be in place and reviewed regularly.”

But campaigners are not reassured.

“It’s like the Post Office scandal,” said one mother at the protest. “They told each family their situation was unique—but the problem was the system all along.”

There is hope — but no time to waste

Elsewhere in Wales, community-based support is making a difference—when it’s available.

Sian McEvoy, 41, from Swansea, began volunteering at a local community farm after a long period of alcohol dependency and anxiety.

“When I was drinking, I didn’t leave the house for three years,” she said. “Now I’m out in the community, working with animals. It’s helped my mental health and given me the confidence to think about getting back into work.”

Steffan Thomas, 24, who is autistic, has volunteered at the same farm for four years.

“If I miss a week, I feel it,” he said. “This place keeps me grounded.”

Health experts say these are the kinds of solutions that need long-term investment—not short-term pilots.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, a Bevan Commission member, said: “Social prescribing and early intervention can prevent crisis—but only if the infrastructure is there. Without it, the NHS will be overwhelmed, and vulnerable people will fall through the cracks.”

As protesters packed up their banners outside the Senedd, Dr. Cavanagh said: “We don’t want more empty promises. We want people to come home.”

Responding to the Welsh Government’s plan, Welsh NHS Confederation Nesta Lloyd-Jones said: “We welcome the shift in approach set out in the new Welsh Government’s 10 year mental health and wellbeing strategy, which is centred on early intervention, prevention and person-centred care.

“As the strategy acknowledges, the building blocks of mental wellbeing start long before healthcare intervention – whether that’s education, housing, employment, access to green spaces and leisure, the arts and so on. Building more resilient communities, addressing health inequalities and tackling loneliness are essential to this too. The Welsh Government’s promise to prioritise action on mental health across all Welsh Government departments is a positive start on the journey to a cross-government approach to mental health, including the deployment of Health Impact Assessments.

“However, in these continuously financially challenging times, these sectors and services are among the first to be cut. We must think long-term and invest in these areas to make things better for individuals, healthcare services and the public purse.

“We know timely access to services play an important role in patient outcomes. NHS leaders support the concept of the no wrong door approach and the introduction of 111 press 2 is a good example of simplifying access for those reaching out for help.

“We know that societal inequalities put some groups at greater risk, underscoring the importance of providing these individuals with better resources and tackling barriers to accessing care. However, with rising demand for mental health services and the growing impact of climate change on mental wellbeing, a greater emphasis on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention is needed.

“Now this strategy has been published, the Welsh Government must ensure the resource and support is in place for sectors and organisations to deliver on the vision statements.”

Jemma Wray, Head of Wales at the Mental Health Foundation said: “We strongly welcome and support the new 10 year mental health strategy for Wales, and its vision to transform how the people of Wales are enabled and supported to live mentally healthy lives.

The strategy is grounded in an understanding that poor mental health can be prevented through ensuring that the building blocks of good mental health are in place, and that there is a system of connected community support available which enables people to connect with what they need, when they need it.

The delivery of this plan at a community level, ensuring the right infrastructure exists to support its implementation, will be vital in its success. It’s equally important that the Welsh Government continues to work alongside people with lived experience and that their improved outcomes are the measure of its impact.

We’re pleased to have been able to contribute to the development of this strategy during the consultation period, and look forward to supporting its implementation in collaboration with Welsh Government, NHS Executive, Public Health Wales, and the Wales Alliance for Mental Health among others to help improve the outcomes for those who are most at risk of developing poor mental health in Wales.”

Welsh Government says ‘a major shift’ is under way

The Welsh Government insists its new 10-year strategy marks a turning point for mental health care in Wales.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “This strategy represents a major shift in how we approach mental health and wellbeing. We are focusing on prevention, early intervention, and ensuring easy access to support when needed.”

The new strategy aims to expand open access and same-day support, building on the 111 “press 2” helpline and introducing a stepped care model, where people only move into more intensive treatment when truly necessary.

It also promotes person-centred care and social prescribing, such as linking people with community groups and activities instead of relying solely on clinical interventions.

“We’re working to address all the factors that affect wellbeing – from housing and employment to tackling loneliness,” Murphy added.

Initiatives already supported under the scheme include Walking Friends Wales, which helps older people reduce loneliness through group walks and social connection.

Campaigners, however, say that while the vision is welcome, the success of the strategy depends entirely on whether these services are funded and delivered at scale, and whether urgent cases of inappropriate detention are properly addressed.

As Dr. Cavanagh said at the Senedd protest:

“We don’t want more empty promises. We want people to come home.”

Health

Health Board confirms appointment of Executive Medical Director

Published

2 days ago

May 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Health

Health board launches critical services consultation as MP demands answers

Published

2 days ago

May 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

***Henry Tufnell MP: Says Heath Board has lack of transparency and accountability (Pic: Herald)***

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

Health

Half of adults unaware of key dementia symptom, warns Alzheimer’s Society Cymru

Published

5 days ago

May 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).