Health

Covid Inquiry: Welsh Government’s pandemic response under fire

Published

1 month ago

May 13, 2025

Inquiry told failures in testing and tracing cost lives and left Wales unprepared

THE UK Covid Inquiry has begun its latest public hearings with stark criticism of the UK and devolved governments’ handling of testing, tracing and isolation strategies during the coronavirus pandemic. On the opening day of Module 7, which focuses on “Test, Trace and Isolate” (TTI) systems, serious concerns were raised about the Welsh Government’s effectiveness, coordination, and long-term preparedness.

***Covid pandemic: Council staff in Tenby in 2020 (Image: File)***

Sophie Cartwright KC, lead counsel to the Inquiry, laid out a damning picture of systemic disarray across the four nations, including Wales. She highlighted that despite early warnings and international advice, the Welsh Government did not fully roll out its Test, Trace, Protect strategy until mid-May 2020, by which time the virus had already swept through communities.

The Inquiry heard that on 12 March 2020, all four UK nations, including Wales, stopped community testing and contact tracing—despite the World Health Organization’s call to “test, test, test.” Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, told a COBR meeting that day that mass testing and tracing would no longer be pursued, even as infections surged.

The result was, as Cartwright put it, a “disastrous blind spot” in surveillance and control. While countries like South Korea and Japan avoided national lockdowns through robust test-and-isolate systems, the UK suffered repeated waves. Professor Anthony Costello estimated that over 180,000 deaths might have been prevented had the UK adopted similar strategies.

***Emotional testimony: Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees***

Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, who gave emotional evidence, represents Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru. She spoke on behalf of families in Wales who lost loved ones due to what they describe as “avoidable government failings.” Her testimony underscored the human impact of delays in testing, isolation support and communication failures.

Lack of preparedness and ignored lessons

Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, representing Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru, criticised the Welsh Government for failing to act on pandemic preparedness plans. She highlighted that Exercise Shipshape, a 2003 SARS simulation involving Wales, had already identified the importance of being able to test, trace and isolate effectively. Yet, none of those lessons were implemented. Marsh-Rees said there was a clear failure to build resilient infrastructure and no meaningful contingency planning, despite numerous simulations and warnings.

Testing failures and wave two disaster

Marsh-Rees gave a stark account of the absence of routine and repeat testing during the second wave of Covid-19 in Wales. She revealed that repeat testing of patients wasn’t introduced until January 2021, and even then only every five days—compared to every three in England. Worse, healthcare workers were not regularly tested until February or March 2021, despite lateral flow tests being available from November 2020. She stated bluntly that this oversight contributed to Wales having the highest rate of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections in the UK, calling it one of the group’s most heartbreaking concerns.

A sense the Welsh Government didn’t want to know

In her closing remarks, Marsh-Rees accused the Welsh Government of appearing as though it did not want to know if people were testing positive, implying that awareness would have triggered obligations to act. She pointed out that 178 people had contracted Covid in Welsh hospitals just last week, five years into the pandemic. “Testing has been forgotten—or proactively not undertaken,” she said. “It’s like a concerted effort not to find out.” Her testimony called for an internationally informed overhaul of public health strategy and an end to political point scoring in future pandemic response.

Missed opportunities in Wales

Wales launched its Test, Trace, Protect plan on 13 May 2020. Then Health Minister Vaughan Gething promised increased capacity and localised response. But the Inquiry was told that testing capacity remained limited, with many key functions outsourced to UK-wide services like Lighthouse Labs and delivery partners like Amazon, rather than utilising existing NHS and university laboratories in Wales.

A submission from the Royal College of Pathologists noted that many NHS and academic labs in the UK were sidelined, despite offering higher quality and faster results than the private facilities that were favoured instead. The Microbiology Society echoed these concerns, saying the government did not properly engage with universities and local experts in Wales and elsewhere.

The Inquiry heard that by mid-2020, Wales had access to six drive-through test centres, eight mobile units and a handful of community testing sites—but by then the damage had already been done.

Support for isolating ‘too little, too late’

The Welsh Government’s Self-Isolation Support Scheme, launched in November 2020, was described as well-intentioned but too slow in implementation. Earlier schemes in Northern Ireland and England had started months prior.

Evidence submitted highlighted how economic necessity led many to avoid testing to avoid losing income. “I remember people saying, ‘I can’t test because if I test and I’m positive, I can’t work,’” one person told the Inquiry.

Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, representing Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru, will give impact evidence later this week, speaking on behalf of families in Wales who lost loved ones due to what they describe as “avoidable government failings.”

Infrastructure dismantled

Lord Bethell, who had responsibility for TTI at UK level, warned that the UK is now less prepared than ever for a future pandemic, with testing labs dismantled, data systems shut down, and public health infrastructure “weaker than ever.”

The Inquiry continues this week with further evidence from bereaved families, scientists, and public health experts from across the UK.

***Lady Hallett opened the TTI hearings on Monday (Pic: Covid Inquiry)***

Health

Health board and university strengthen partnership to boost well-being in west Wales

Published

15 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation

HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales.

The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise.

The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies.

The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes.

Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region.

To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership.

Dr Kloer said: “The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas.

“I’m delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.”

Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added:
“I’m very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations.

“For more than 150 years, our University’s teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this.

“As Wales’s first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.”

The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer.

Dr Leighton Phillips said: “This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

“We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales.

“These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.”

Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.

Health

Plaid Cymru: Wales lagging behind on vital HPV home test kits

Published

15 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MS Sioned Williams urges urgent action to protect women from preventable cancer

PLAID CYMRU has criticised the Welsh Government for failing to roll out home HPV test kits, despite the success of a pilot in west Wales and a recent announcement of similar measures in England.

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for equalities, has called on ministers to act urgently to ensure access to HPV self-sampling kits for those unable or reluctant to attend traditional smear test appointments.

Her intervention follows a commitment by the UK Government’s Health Secretary to offer HPV home testing kits to patients in England who miss cervical screening appointments.

A pilot scheme in the Hywel Dda Health Board area last year showed that HPV self-sampling could significantly boost participation rates—particularly among those who find in-clinic screenings difficult or distressing. Over half of participants in the pilot preferred home testing over traditional smear tests.

Despite growing pressure from cancer charities and Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Government has not announced any plans to introduce HPV self-screening kits.

Speaking today (June 24), Ms Williams, who represents South Wales West, said: “Cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women under 35 in Wales—and HPV is responsible for nearly all of these cases. With uptake of smear tests declining, we need to remove barriers to screening.

“The evidence is clear: home testing is effective and preferred by many. It’s a missed opportunity that Wales is falling behind England on this. The Welsh Government must urgently clarify what steps it is taking to introduce HPV self-sampling and reassure women that everything possible is being done to prevent this highly avoidable cancer.”

Background and key facts:

99.8% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women under 35 in Wales.
One in three women diagnosed will die within five years if diagnosed at a later stage.
Over 97,000 women in Wales missed their screening invitation in 2021–2022.
Screening coverage has dropped to 69.6%, down from 73.2% before COVID.
A 2022 study showed 51.4% of eligible women prefer home testing.

On December 10, 2024, Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor also raised the issue in the Senedd, highlighting that only 70% of Year 9 and 10 students in Wales had received the HPV vaccine—well short of the 90% target set by the World Health Organization to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Crime

Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

Published

2 days ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Report finds NHS training ‘inconsistent’ as victims fall through the cracks

DOMESTIC abuse should be treated as a public health emergency, a leading charity has warned, after a new report exposed widespread failings by the NHS in identifying and supporting victims.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, more than 12 million people in England and Wales—around one in four adults—have experienced domestic abuse. The charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Stada) says that, despite frequent contact with both victims and perpetrators, NHS staff are often ill-equipped to intervene.

Stada reviewed domestic homicide and suicide cases published during 2024 and found that in 9 out of 10 cases, the NHS had failed in its safeguarding duties. The most common failing was a lack of proper training for staff on recognising signs of abuse.

Although national guidance recommends mandatory training for frontline NHS staff, the report found that provision remains patchy and inconsistent across services. Failures to record risk properly, share information between agencies, and link victims with mental health or alcohol support services were also highlighted.

The warning comes as a separate study in The Lancet found that more than one in four women who died by suicide and were under secondary mental health care had previously suffered domestic abuse.

Cherryl Henry-Leach, chief executive of Stada, said: “Treating domestic abuse purely as a criminal justice issue costs lives. The NHS is uniquely placed to help, but it must be properly resourced and trained to do so.”

The report urges the government to fund standardised training and improve data sharing. Without urgent reforms, Stada warns that the government’s stated aim of halving violence against women and girls by 2034 will not be met.

Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, said as many as 1,800 suicides a year may be linked to domestic abuse, calling it “a national scandal”.

Andrea Simon, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said healthcare workers are often the only professionals victims may encounter: “They must be trained to spot the signs and know what to do. Inaction can lead to serious harm or even death.”

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, added: “Given the trusted relationships GPs have with patients, it is deeply worrying that chances to help might be missed.”

In response, an NHS spokesperson said: “All NHS staff must complete safeguarding training which includes domestic abuse, and this training is currently being reviewed and updated.”

A UK Government spokesperson said a new strategy to prevent domestic abuse is due later this year. “We remain committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools to support survivors,” they said.

Help is available for domestic abuse victims in Pembrokeshire

Support services offer confidential advice, refuge and counselling

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Pembrokeshire is urged to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, and no one should suffer in silence.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

There are several local and national organisations offering confidential support, practical advice and emergency accommodation:

Key Helplines

Live Fear Free Helpline (24/7, confidential):
📞 0808 80 10 800
📱 Text: 07860 077333
📧 Email: [email protected]
Victim Support (for anyone affected by crime):
📞 0808 16 89 111
Refuge National Helpline (for women and children):
📞 0808 2000 247

Local Services in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
Offers outreach, one-to-one support, refuge, counselling, and children’s programmes.
📞 01554 752 422
Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru)
Provides housing support, drop-in advice and specialist help for women, men and families.
📍 8 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
📞 01437 768 761
📧 Email: [email protected]
Welsh Women’s Aid
A national organisation working with local providers to ensure survivors get the help they need.
Contact via the Live Fear Free Helpline above.

You are not alone.
Whether you need immediate safety, someone to talk to, or long-term support, these services are here to help. All calls are confidential and support is available for women, men and children.