Health

Liberal Democrats condemn sewage dumping as E.coli found at Broad Haven

Published

2 months ago

September 30, 2025

THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have condemned what they describe as “shocking” levels of sewage pollution across Wales’ national parks, as fresh public health fears were raised after E.coli was discovered in two streams at BROAD HAVEN.

A new report by the Campaign for National Parks reveals that almost half (48%) of rivers in Welsh national parks fail to meet good ecological standards. The findings point to “hundreds of thousands of hours of sewage spills, agricultural run-off and a toxic chemical cocktail from sewer overflows inside national parks.”

Pollution hotspots identified
Eryri (Snowdonia) was among the worst affected, recording more than 47,000 hours of sewage spills. Campaigners warn that in its natural state Eryri’s waters should be of the highest possible quality – making the scale of pollution all the more stark.

The PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park was also highlighted in the report, with 38 sewage overflows leading to nearly 16,000 hours of discharges in 2024 alone.

Broad Haven E.coli alert
Concerns in Pembrokeshire intensified this week after dangerously high levels of E.coli were detected in Broad Haven. Local MS Paul Davies said he met with an environmental specialist who tested two streams, finding levels “alarmingly high – much higher than even poor bathing quality.”

Calling for urgent action, Mr Davies said: “Water quality must be a priority for the Welsh Government, and Natural Resources Wales must have the resources to manage our water sources and ensure they are as safe as possible.”

Beacons under pressure
In BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG, more than half of river water bodies (53.8%) are now rated as moderate to bad, with over 22,000 hours of sewage dumping recorded in 2023. Experts warn that such discharges not only damage water quality and habitats but also increase flood risk and harm fragile ecosystems.

Political reaction
David Chadwick MP, Welsh Liberal Democrat member for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said:
“The statistics presented by the Campaign for National Parks are undeniably shocking. It is appalling that more than 254,000 hours of sewage were spilt into national park rivers across the UK, with 85,000 hours of that here in Wales. Even worse, a large proportion of this disgraceful pollution happened in Bannau Brycheiniog, in our own constituency.

“This cannot continue. We need urgent, stricter regulations on sewage dumping, and water companies must be held fully accountable for the destruction they are causing. Both the Welsh Labour Government and the UK Labour Government have utterly failed to act.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS added:
“Here in the Beacons, sewage dumping isn’t just an environmental disgrace; it’s a direct threat to our way of life. Our rivers, streams and lakes are the backbone of the local tourism industry, which so many families and businesses rely on. Visitors come here for clean waters and thriving wildlife, but sewage pollution puts all of that at risk.

“The wildlife that makes this area so special is suffering because of reckless dumping and weak regulation. Labour in both Cardiff Bay and Westminster is letting water companies get away with it. The Welsh Liberal Democrats are clear: we must stop this scandal now to protect our seas, safeguard local jobs and defend the natural beauty Wales is famous for.”

Health

Health board asks people with flu or gastric symptoms to stay away

Published

12 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is urging people with respiratory or gastric symptoms – such as flu or gastroenteritis – to avoid visiting friends and relatives in hospital to help prevent the spread of infection.

The health board says anyone feeling unwell should stay away from all hospital sites. This includes people with flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections, or anyone who has had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last forty-eight hours.

The same advice applies to those who have recently been in close contact with someone showing these symptoms. Rebecca Richards, Head of Infection Prevention at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said:

“We always like to welcome visitors to our hospitals, and a visit can be very beneficial to patients. However, illnesses such as flu, diarrhoea and vomiting pass easily from one person to another, and at this time of year these viruses circulate more frequently in the community.

“They can be serious for sick and vulnerable patients, so I would urge people not to visit at this time if you are unwell or have recently experienced these illnesses. It’s important to be completely free of symptoms before coming in.”

Anyone who has a hospital appointment and has experienced diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or flu-like symptoms in the past forty-eight hours is asked to contact the number on their appointment letter to check whether the appointment is urgent or can be safely rescheduled.

Further infection prevention advice is available on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website.

Community

Have your say on the future of social care in Wales

Published

1 day ago

November 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Commissioner calls on older people to share their experiences

OLDER people across Wales are being urged to share their experiences of social care to help shape major improvements to the system.

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a nationwide call for evidence, inviting people to describe what support they receive, what works well, and where services are falling short.

The feedback gathered will be used to assess whether the quality of care being delivered matches the standards set out in current Welsh policy and legislation. Concerns already raised with the Commissioner suggest this is not always the case.

A full report will be published in 2026, setting out the Commissioner’s findings along with recommendations for action by local authorities and other public bodies.

Social care covers a wide range of support — from help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing or preparing meals, to support in care homes and community-based services such as day centres.

Older people who use any form of social care can share their experiences by completing a short questionnaire online or over the phone. Paper copies are also available via freepost. The survey is also open to family members and friends who may wish to respond on behalf of an older person.

The Commissioner, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “Social care plays a crucial role in the lives of many older people across Wales, offering vital support to enable people to live safely and independently, and have the best possible quality of life.

“In Wales we have legislation, policies, regulations and standards designed to ensure that social care is focused on people’s individual needs and is delivered to the highest standards.

“But the issues raised with me at engagement events and via my Advice and Assistance Service suggest that this is not always the case, with people experiencing care that falls short of the quality they should expect.

“That is why I want to examine these issues in more detail, using the voices of older people as my evidence base, to identify the difficulties people are facing and the action needed to address them.

“So I am urging older people who use social care services, as well as their families and friends, to get in touch with my office and complete a short survey to share their experiences.

“Alongside hearing about the issues people are facing, I am also keen to hear about what is working well so I can highlight good practice that is making a positive difference to older people’s lives.

“I will publish my findings in 2026, together with recommendations for action by local authorities and other public bodies to deliver the change and improvements older people want and need to see.

“I am looking forward to working with older people and key organisations across Wales to drive meaningful change and help create a social care system that empowers older people to live well, age well and stay connected, while ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect that everyone has a right to.”

Health

Urgent warning as fake NHS calls target GP patients

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Scammers threaten to ‘remove people from practice lists’ in new phone fraud

A WARNING has been issued after reports of a new scam in which fraudsters pretend to be calling from the NHS, telling people they must “update their GP records” or risk being removed from their doctor’s patient list.

The automated calls appear to come from ordinary UK mobile numbers. Patients are told they must act immediately or face being struck off. Health officials have confirmed the calls are entirely fraudulent.

The NHS has stressed it will never phone patients to demand updates to their records, threaten removal from a GP list, or ask for personal or bank details.

Cybersecurity specialist Javvad Malik said the scam works because it plays on people’s trust and sense of urgency. “When you hear something about your GP records, it sounds official,” he said. “If you’re busy, you may react before you have the chance to think. Never share personal or payment details with an unsolicited caller.”

What to do if you receive one of these calls
• Do not respond to any of the instructions.
• Hang up straight away.
• Contact your GP practice using the number on its official website or your appointment letters.
• Never click on links or call any numbers given in a suspicious message.

If you have already engaged with the scam
• Tell your GP practice what happened so they can reassure you that no action is needed.
• If you disclosed bank information, contact your bank immediately.
• Change any passwords you reused and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Be cautious of any further suspicious calls, texts or emails.

Patients across the UK are being urged to stay alert and warn family members, particularly older or vulnerable people, who may be more likely to engage with an automated call.