Public response now far exceeds health board consultation figures

A PETITION calling for urgent Welsh Government intervention over services at Withybush Hospital has now attracted more than 6,000 signatures — significantly higher than the number of people who formally responded to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s major consultation last year.

The Senedd petition, titled “Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention,” demands direct government oversight of the health board and restoration of key services in Pembrokeshire.

The surge means public engagement with the campaign has now overtaken the roughly 4,140 questionnaire responses submitted during the health board’s official consultation on its Clinical Services Plan.

Campaigners say the growing numbers demonstrate that opposition to the changes is continuing to build rather than fade.

Safety concerns raised

The petition states that the current configuration of services represents a threat to patient safety, particularly in a rural county where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significant.

It calls on the Welsh Government to:

• intervene directly in the running of Hywel Dda University Health Board
• guarantee core hospital services locally
• equalise healthcare standards across Wales
• restore services to Withybush

The campaign was launched after the health board confirmed plans to change emergency general surgery provision, with operations expected to transfer away from Withybush Hospital while other services are reconfigured.

Health board leaders have previously said the changes are designed to improve safety and ensure services are clinically sustainable in the long term.

However, critics argue the proposals risk increasing travel times for critically ill patients and placing further pressure on ambulance services.

Political pressure growing

Under Senedd rules, petitions that exceed 10,000 signatures may be considered for debate in the Welsh Parliament.

With the current total already past 6,000 and rising, campaigners believe the threshold could be reached within weeks if momentum continues.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so here:
https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246864

The Herald understands that concerns about rural healthcare access and the future of Withybush Hospital are likely to remain a major political issue in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

Call for politicians to treat financial wellbeing as a public health priority ahead of Senedd election

WALES cannot fix its growing health crisis without confronting the financial pressures facing households, a senior public policy figure has warned.

Fran Targett, a Bevan Commissioner and chair of the Welsh Government’s National Advice Network, says economic insecurity is driving poor physical and mental health outcomes across communities — and that the NHS will remain under strain unless the root causes are tackled.

She argues that financial wellbeing must be recognised as a core determinant of health, not simply a social issue.

“Health matters, and Wales cannot fix its long-term health challenges without confronting the economic realities that shape people’s daily lives,” she said.

Her intervention comes as health services across Wales continue to face waiting list backlogs, emergency care pressures and widening inequality in outcomes between communities.

Money worries damaging health

Targett said financial wellbeing — the ability to pay bills, cope with unexpected costs and feel secure about the future — directly affects both life expectancy and quality of life.

People struggling to afford essentials such as food, heating, rent and transport are more likely to experience chronic illness, mental distress and premature death, she warned.

Cold homes worsen respiratory conditions, while financial stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviours including smoking, alcohol misuse and gambling.

“Unless we address the financial insecurity that underpins so many of these issues, we will be treating symptoms, not causes,” she said.

She also highlighted stark inequalities affecting vulnerable groups, including social renters, lone parents, disabled people and those with long-term conditions.

Political action needed

Targett said Wales already has policy frameworks that recognise prevention and fairness, but warned that stronger political leadership is now required.

She called for closer alignment between health policy, housing, employment and financial support systems, arguing that improving financial resilience would reduce pressure on NHS services over time.

“As Wales approaches the Senedd elections, we have a choice — continue firefighting the consequences of poor financial wellbeing or finally confront the root causes,” she said.

She acknowledged that tackling health inequality may require difficult financial decisions, including increased investment, but said the long-term benefits would include healthier communities and a more sustainable health service.

Long-term benefits

Targett said building financial confidence and stability through education, workplaces and community support could lead to lower stress, stronger participation in society and better health outcomes.

“When people feel secure with their money, they are happier, participate more in their communities and are better able to make healthy choices,” she said.

Her comments add to growing debate about how Wales should tackle health inequality ahead of the 2026 Senedd election campaign, with increasing focus on prevention and the social causes of illness.

Campaigners warn patient safety at risk as pressure grows on Welsh Government

A PETITION calling for urgent Welsh Government intervention into services at Withybush Hospital has attracted almost 5,000 signatures, highlighting growing concern across Pembrokeshire about the future of local healthcare.

The petition, titled “Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention,” demands immediate action to oversee Hywel Dda University Health Board and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

It has so far gathered 4,875 signatures and remains open until August 23, 2026.

If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in the Senedd. Under Welsh Parliament rules, petitions with more than 250 signatures are automatically discussed by the Petitions Committee once the signature-gathering period ends.

The petition was created by Ajay Owen, who argues that current healthcare pressures are placing unacceptable strain on communities across Pembrokeshire.

The petition states: “We demand immediate government intervention to oversee the Health Board at Withybush Hospital and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents. The residents, GP’s, Ambulance Services & Voluntary Sectors do not need the strain or anxiety the health board is causing locally.”

The campaign comes amid ongoing controversy over proposed service changes affecting hospitals in west Wales, including concerns about the future configuration of emergency and specialist care.

Local politicians have already voiced alarm over potential impacts on patient safety, travel times, and ambulance pressures if services are moved further from Pembrokeshire.

The Herald understands that concerns about rural access to emergency treatment have been raised repeatedly in recent months, particularly in relation to time-critical conditions such as stroke and major trauma.

Health boards across Wales continue to face significant workforce shortages, financial pressures, and recruitment challenges, which have contributed to difficult decisions about service configuration.

A spokesperson for Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said any proposed changes are aimed at improving patient safety and ensuring services are clinically sustainable in the long term.

Campaigners, however, argue that removing services from Withybush risks undermining confidence in local healthcare provision and increasing inequalities for rural communities.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so via the Senedd petitions website.