Community

Rural Wales faces ‘patient safety vacuum’ amid air ambulance shake-up

Published

5 months ago

November 27, 2025

SENEDD Members have warned the closure of air ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon will create an “unacceptable patient safety vacuum”.

The Senedd debated a petition signed by more than 10,000 people calling for a full public inquiry into Welsh Air Ambulance centralisation plans in rural Wales.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee, said campaigners took their fight to the highest courts in the land without success.

She told the Senedd: “A review… recommended closing the bases at Welshpool and Caernarfon and moving the helicopters to a new site in north Wales, near the A55.

“Supporters of the change say this would mean more emergency calls could be answered each year, but campaigners fear it will mean slower response times for certain communities.”

James Evans, the Conservatives’ shadow health secretary, warned: “Let’s not go around the bush: Powys has become a health desert.

“We have a county with no district general hospital, no A&E department, minor injury units operating with limited hours and ambulances are consistently dragged out of our communities to cover shortages elsewhere in Wales.”

Mr Evans, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, said against this backdrop the decision to close the Welshpool air ambulance base is “not only irresponsible, it is dangerous”.

“Response times are already unacceptable and will only get worse,” he said. “Communities across mid and north-west Wales will experience slower emergency interventions.”

Mr Evans described plans to introduce rapid-response vehicles across mid Wales as a mitigation measure as “wholly inadequate”.

He warned: “Even worse, these vehicles do not even exist yet; there are no final plans, no costings, no procurement and no deployment timetables.”

The Conservative accused Welsh ministers of “washing their hands” by failing to intervene to prevent the closure of air bases.

Backing campaigners’ calls for a public inquiry, Mr Evans said: “That golden hour… cannot be a privilege just for those people who live in urban areas. It must be a right for everybody, right the way across Wales, no matter where they live.”

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru’s shadow health secretary, similarly stressed that people in Ceredigion and on Anglesey deserve the same service as any other part of the country.

Mr ap Gwynfor, who represents Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “There is no doubt that centralising the service, as is proposed, will be harmful to people in that area.”

Russell George, the Montgomeryshire Senedd Member, emphasised that the judicial review examined only the decision-making process – not the moral or clinical merits of the policy.

He told the Senedd: “The people of mid Wales don’t buy the spin that some are peddling that this is going to be a better service for them. It’s not.

“Powys health board and Betsi Cadwaladr health board both voted against and do not support the decision to close these key strategic bases. It’s not supported by not only the two health boards but by tens of thousands of people and clinicians at the bases.”

Mr George, who sits as an independent, urged the Welsh Government to intervene or explain why people in rural Wales should endure slower emergency response times.

Conservative MS Russell George — Independent MS Russell George

He said: “The health secretary is ultimately responsible for health services in Wales and should act as the final decision maker on such a significant and strategic decision affecting over one million Welsh residents across approximately half the geographical area of Wales.”

Wales’ health secretary Jeremy Miles stressed: “The aim is to improve everyone’s access to care that saves lives. Quite simply, the current service cannot reach enough people who need support and the way that the service is organised is responsible for that.”

Responding to the debate on November 26, he said the crew in Caernarfon did not see a patient for 199 days in 2023/24, with Welshpool not seeing a patient for 163 days. “To all intents and purposes, that is a whole year without a single patient being treated,” he added.

Pointing to plans to improve nighttime coverage, the minister said the service was not able to get to 551 people who needed support in mid and north Wales between 8pm and 2am.

Mr Miles told the Senedd the courts scrutinised the lawfulness of the decision as he argued a public inquiry would duplicate scrutiny and not result in improved clinical outcomes. He explained a plan and timeline for mitigation measures will be published in early 2026.

In a symbolic vote, which does not bind ministers, the Senedd voted 24-20 to “note” the 10,437-name petition – with five Labour backbenchers abstaining.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.