News

Plaid Cymru says Pembrokeshire ‘deserves a better health service’

Published

5 months ago

December 1, 2025

Party unveils plan to cut NHS waiting times

RESIDENTS in Pembrokeshire “deserve a better health service”, Plaid Cymru has said, as the party set out detailed proposals aimed at reducing NHS waiting times if it forms the next Welsh Government.

Over 620,000 people waiting for treatment

The latest Welsh Government figures show 620,309 people were waiting for planned NHS treatment in Wales at the end of September 2025. This is one of the highest figures ever recorded and represents almost one-in-five of the Welsh population.
Official statistics also confirm that over 100,000 people have been waiting more than a year for treatment, despite previous Welsh Government targets to eliminate such waits.

Plaid Cymru says the figures demonstrate the need for a “fresh start” after twenty-five consecutive years of Labour running the Welsh NHS. The party claims its proposals could begin “within the first few days” of a new administration.

Temporary treatment centres in existing hospitals

Under Plaid Cymru’s plan, temporary local treatment centres would be established inside existing hospitals across Wales, allowing clinicians to carry out high-volume procedures such as orthopaedics, cataracts and diagnostic work.

The party says additional capacity would enable health boards to target the longest waits while ensuring patients receive treatment closer to home. These centres would operate on a “sprint model”, focusing resources to clear backlogs over concentrated periods.

Plaid also proposes a mandate for health boards to work together more strategically, sharing staffing rotas, specialist teams and expensive medical equipment to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. Hywel Dda University Health Board, which covers Pembrokeshire, has one of the highest per-head waiting lists in Wales.

The party argues digital technology is being “vastly under-used” in Wales and could allow many follow-up appointments to be handled remotely. This includes remote monitoring of long-term conditions, digital patient records, and routine checks managed through virtual clinics.

GP shortages ‘particularly prominent’ in Pembrokeshire

Primary care pressures remain severe in west Wales, with several Pembrokeshire GP practices either closing lists, relying heavily on locums, or undergoing partnership changes in the last five years.
Recent Hywel Dda figures show that Pembrokeshire has fewer GPs per head of population than the Welsh average, contributing to long waits for routine appointments.

Plaid Cymru’s Ceredigion Preseli candidate Kerry Ferguson said: “We are all very aware of the difficulties in accessing GPs and the long waiting time there currently is for receiving treatment.

“The shortage of GPs has been particularly prominent in Pembrokeshire. Plaid Cymru is the only party which has carefully constructed ready-to-go solutions that would reduce current waiting times and bring long-term benefits to our broken NHS.”

The Herald understands that GP access, ambulance delays and long referral times are among the most frequent complaints raised by residents in Pembrokeshire, particularly heading into the winter months when pressures on hospitals traditionally increase.

Plaid Cymru says its package of measures would “reset the NHS on a sustainable footing” and begin tackling delays that have now become entrenched across the health system.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

12 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

12 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

12 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.