Health

Paramedic graduates told to look abroad as Wales freezes recruitment

Published

3 months ago

April 1, 2026

Students urged to seek work overseas despite millions spent on training

NEWLY qualified paramedics in Wales are being advised to apply for jobs overseas after a recruitment freeze left graduates with no roles in the Welsh NHS.

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has confirmed it will not be hiring newly qualified paramedics this year, citing financial and operational pressures.

The development, first reported by BBC Wales, has sparked anger among students and political figures, with some branding the situation “short-sighted” and a waste of public money.

Students left in limbo

Final-year paramedic students say they have been encouraged to look for work in countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Around 70 students are expected to graduate this summer from courses at Swansea University and Wrexham University, having completed degree-level training heavily subsidised by Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales.

Some students have undertaken placements more than 100 miles from home, expecting to move into frontline NHS roles after graduation.

Traditionally, graduates would enter the service as Newly Qualified Paramedics on Band 5 salaries, progressing to Band 6 after a period of mentorship.

However, opportunities have been shrinking. In 2025, only around a third of graduates secured paramedic posts, with others offered lower-paid technician roles instead.

‘Deeply disappointing’ decision

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said the organisation was facing a “difficult financial and operational landscape”.

They added: “Regrettably, as things stand, we are not in a position to employ newly qualified paramedics this year.”

Graduates are now being encouraged to consider roles as emergency medical technicians or to seek work elsewhere in the UK—or abroad.

Despite bursary conditions that would normally tie students to Wales, HEIW has confirmed the current cohort are now free to pursue employment outside the country.

Political backlash grows

The decision has prompted sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Jane Dodds described the situation as “a staggering waste of both talent and taxpayers’ money”, warning it made little sense while ambulance response times remain under pressure.

Plaid Cymru figures estimate that training costs of up to £150,000 per student could mean nearly £10 million of public investment failing to benefit Welsh patients.

Welsh Conservatives said the situation reflected a failure of workforce planning, while Welsh Labour insisted it remained committed to ensuring the NHS has the staff it needs.

Government response

A Welsh Government spokesperson said ministers were working closely with the ambulance service, HEIW and universities to address the issue and support affected graduates.

But for many students, the immediate reality is stark—after years of training for frontline roles in Wales, their careers may now begin thousands of miles away.

Charity

Charity donation transforms chemotherapy waiting room at Glangwili Hospital

Published

14 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A £26,273 donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group has helped create a calmer and more comfortable space for patients undergoing cancer treatment

A GENEROUS charitable donation has helped transform the patient waiting room at Glangwili Hospital’s Chemotherapy Day Unit.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has used a £26,273 donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group to fund a major refurbishment of the unit’s waiting room and adjacent kitchen.

The West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group is a patient-led group of volunteers working across West and South West Wales, offering support to prostate cancer patients, as well as their families and friends.

The project has created a more welcoming, comfortable and calming environment for patients receiving treatment, along with relatives and carers who accompany them to appointments.

Before the refurbishment, the waiting area was described as dated, dark and uninviting, in contrast to the compassionate care provided by staff within the unit. Patients can often spend long periods in the space before treatment or clinic appointments.

The work included the removal of old fixtures, full redecoration, new flooring and ceiling, the purchase of more comfortable furniture, and the addition of artwork to help improve the atmosphere.

Gina Beard, Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “We are so grateful for the donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group, which has enabled us to transform the space.

“This has made a real difference to our patients. We’ve been able to create a space that feels less clinical and more comforting. The calming colours and comfortable seating help ease anxiety and make a difficult time a little more bearable for patients and their loved ones.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “We are deeply grateful to the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group for their donation.

“Your generosity has enabled us to create a pleasant and relaxing space for patients and their families.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities supports NHS patients and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Health

Deputy Minister sets out priorities for social care, mental and women’s health

Published

2 days ago

July 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Plans include same-day mental health support, a National Care Service for Wales and action on women’s health

PLANS to improve access to social care, provide same-day mental health support and strengthen women’s health services have been outlined by the Welsh Government.

Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health Delyth Jewell said she wanted to give greater prominence to areas which she believes have not received the attention they deserve.

Her priorities include progressing plans for a National Care Service for Wales, with the ambition of delivering social care that is free at the point of need.

The Deputy Minister also said safeguarding arrangements would be strengthened to better protect children and adults at risk.

Mental health services are set to move towards a model of open-access, same-day support, with 21 demonstrator sites already underway and further rollout planned.

The Welsh Government said future action on dementia will also be set out in a new Dementia Strategy for Wales, focusing on brain health, earlier diagnosis and improved support.

A Women’s Health Summit will also be held later this month, bringing together women with lived experience and clinicians.

The summit will focus on tackling the normalisation of pain, with work already underway to improve endometriosis and abortion services, as well as maternity safety and support for families who experience the loss of a baby.

Delyth Jewell said: “I want to help shine a light onto areas that haven’t had the focus they are due.

“On mental health, women’s health, and yes, the social care system that for too long has been undervalued.

“These areas deserve more attention and prominence. They deserve a voice in the heart of government, and I promise I will give that to them.”

Alzheimer’s Society’s National Influencing Manager Gemma Roberts said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a new dementia strategy for Wales. We stand ready and eager to work with the Welsh Government to turn this ambition into a reality.

“People with dementia in Wales routinely face prolonged delays to diagnosis followed by gaps and stark inequalities in treatment and support. Delays of this scale have quietly become routine for dementia, Wales’s biggest killer, but would not be accepted for cancer or heart disease. It’s vital that the Plaid Cymru manifesto commitment to a diagnosis target of 12 weeks is included in the new strategy.

“The science is flying with faster, more accurate diagnosis and new treatments on the horizon. With the delivery of a bold dementia strategy for Wales that tackles diagnosis, care and support, delivering the transformation that people living with dementia need.”

Community

Hywel Dda reaffirms commitment to Armed Forces community

Published

3 days ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].