DECISIONS following Hywel Dda University Heath Board’s recent consultation on nine of its services, which includes 22 alternatives to the initial options proposed, are to take place at a special two-day extraordinary meeting next week.

Last year, the Health Board consulted with its communities on options for change in critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology.

It said its Clinical Services Plan focuses on nine healthcare services that are “fragile and in need of change”.

At the launch of the consultation it said the services, and potential changes at the four main hospitals of Haverfordwest’s Withybush, Carmarthen’s Glangwili, Llanelli’s Prince Philip and Aberystwyth’s Bronglais, would see no changes to how people access emergency care (A&E) or minor injury care as part of the consultation, with an ongoing separate consultation on minor injury care at Prince Philip.

These nine clinical services were selected because of risks to them being able to continue to offer safe, high-quality services, or care in a timely manner, the board has previously said.

The proposed changes, with many different options in each of the nine services across the area, could mean some hospitals gaining or losing services, along with community site options in some cases.

An independent consultation report prepared by Opinion Research Services is part of the information the Board will consider on February 18 and 19; with more than 4,000 questionnaire responses in addition to the feedback shared at public events, staff meetings and stakeholder sessions.

During the consultation, communities shared an additional 190 alternative ideas for the services, which have been narrowed down to 22.

These will be considered alongside the options that were shared during the consultation, with members also considering whether further engagement, or additional information may be required, before a final decision is made.

Of the nine areas, critical care has three options, and one alternative; dermatology four options; emergency general surgery, two options and two alternative; endoscopy, three options and one alternative; ophthalmology, three options and six alternatives; orthopaedics, four options and five alternatives; stroke, two options and two alternatives; radiology, four options and four alternatives; and urology, one option and one alternative.

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “At our meeting next week, the Board will carefully consider the consultation feedback alongside the latest clinical evidence, workforce insights, updated impact assessments and the alternative options that were put forward during the consultation.

“Our responsibility is to consider the full range of evidence and ensure we make decisions that ensure that our services are sustainable for the future. No decisions have been made ahead of the Board.

“We are committed to a thorough and transparent process, ensuring each option and alternative options are considered in the round, and focused on improving services for the people who rely on them.”

The first day of the two-day event will be dedicated to reviewing the evidence and considering the options in detail, with decisions on the second.

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, which has faced overspends on its budget in the millions in recent years, is predicted to end this year £4m in credit.

A report for members at the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Cabinet member for finance, Cllr Alistair Cameron,  said the county’s approved budget for the 2025-26 financial year of £326.6m was, as of the third quarter of the year, predicted to end at £322.6m, representing a projected underspend of £4m.

A good chunk of that saving, as reported in previous financial quarters was due to slippage in the Capital Programme in 2024-25 which has resulted in higher levels of investment income and delayed borrowing costs.

“A projected underspend of £4.429m in Capital Financing Costs and Increased Investment Income of £0.050m has been able to more than offset [other financial pressures],” the report said.

The report also included comments from Director of Resources Jon Haswell: “We are now projecting a year end underspend of £4.0m at the end of Quarter 3, primarily due to the significant underspend in capital financing costs.

“At outturn, it will be proposed that any underspend is placed in the Initiative Fund reserve, to provide additional funding for future Accelerated Change Programme (ACP) bids.

“Both council tax and rent arrears appear to have stabilised, albeit urgent work is required over the coming months and years to recover them. All service budgets within the Resources Directorate are all projected to remain within budget, with the exception of Finance & Revenue Services/Resources and Procurement who will be overspent due to additional FIMS software costs.”

The £4m underspend compares with a predicted end-of-year underspend of £1m in the previous financial quarter, and predictions of a £2.2m underspend from figures from the first quarter of the financial year.

Pembrokeshire County Council actually ended the last financial year underspending by £2m, in part due to an extra £1.2m raised through second homes tax, councillors have previously heard.

In recent years the situation has been far bleaker, with third quarter projections for the 2023-24 budget of an overspend of £6.6m, £3m up from quarter two’s £3.6m, which in itself was a reduction of the previous quarter one figure of a £4.8m predicted overspend.

The end of the 2024 financial year reduced that to a £3m overspend, and by November 2024 – the 2024-25 year – the council was predicted to overspend by £3.9m, later, last February that prediction reduced to £1.4m, before the final underspend.

Cllr Cameron, who moved the report on the quarter three financial position was noted, said: “The £4m is roughly one per cent under budget, any of us would agree that’s exactly where we’d want to be at this stage of the financial year, and certainly a lot better than previous years’ overspends.”

Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “It’s really good to see the departments, by and large, within budgets, on a more financially sustainable path.”

Members agreed to note the report.

Local MS speaks about pressure of politics in major newspaper interview

SAMUEL KURTZ has said he remains determined to retain his Senedd seat despite growing political uncertainty, following a prominent double-page interview published ahead of the Welsh Parliament election in May.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS spoke candidly about the pressures of public life, the challenges facing his party, and the personal toll of political scrutiny, while insisting he remains focused on local campaigning.

Mr Kurtz said: “We’re working hard for the win, but the world’s not going to end on May 8 if I don’t get re-elected.”

The comments reflect what political observers describe as a realistic assessment of the electoral environment facing the Conservatives across Wales ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 7.

Pressure of public life

In the Western Mail article, Mr Kurtz discussed the intensity of modern politics, including criticism on social media and the impact on family life. He suggested resilience was essential for anyone working in public office, describing politics as demanding but worthwhile.

The MS also highlighted his rural upbringing and agricultural background, emphasising his connection to farming communities and countryside issues — a key theme likely to feature heavily in his re-election campaign across rural parts of the constituency.

Local record under scrutiny

Mr Kurtz has represented Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since being elected to the Senedd in 2021.

During that time he has spoken on issues including agriculture policy, rural economic development, and healthcare pressures, often criticising Welsh Government performance on NHS waiting times and public services.

However, with the election approaching, local voters are expected to judge candidates primarily on issues affecting daily life in Pembrokeshire, including GP access, hospital waiting lists, transport infrastructure, employment opportunities, and the cost of living.

Political landscape changing

The upcoming election will take place under new Senedd arrangements, with boundary and voting system reforms expected to alter the political landscape across Wales.

The constituency has historically been competitive, with support shifting between Conservatives, Labour and Plaid Cymru in different elections. Analysts suggest the result in May could be influenced both by national political trends and local campaigning strength.

Campaign period begins

While Mr Kurtz has not yet formally launched his constituency campaign, activity from all parties is expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.

The Herald will be speaking to voters and candidates across Pembrokeshire as part of its continuing coverage of the Senedd election campaign.