HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1

Simple home urine test being developed at Aberystwyth University with NHS backing

A GROUNDBREAKING new home test for early breast cancer detection is being developed in Wales, with scientists at Aberystwyth University leading research that could transform diagnosis for women across rural communities including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Backed by Welsh Government funding and supported by Hywel Dda University Health Board, the pioneering work aims to deliver a simple urine-based test that could ease pressure on NHS Wales services while improving early detection rates in areas where access to specialist diagnostics remains a challenge.

The prototype test, currently under development, is designed as a lateral flow device—similar to a pregnancy or COVID-19 test—that could detect early biochemical signs of breast cancer from a single urine sample.

Researchers say the innovation could support faster diagnosis, reduce reliance on invasive procedures, and ultimately improve survival rates by identifying the disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in more than 100 countries. While mammograms, MRI scans and biopsies are essential tools, there is growing demand for simpler, more accessible methods of detection.

Rural impact significant

For patients in West Wales, where travel to major hospitals can be time-consuming and access to specialist services limited, the development could prove particularly significant.

A reliable home testing kit could reduce the need for repeated hospital visits and help identify cases earlier, easing pressure on already stretched NHS diagnostic services.

The Herald understands that improved early detection could also play a role in reducing waiting times across NHS Wales, where diagnostic backlogs remain a persistent concern.

Welsh research leading the way

The study at Aberystwyth University is focusing on identifying metabolic changes linked to breast cancer that are excreted in urine, enabling earlier and less invasive detection.

Professor Luis Mur, who is leading the research, said: “Our work is revealing a distinct biochemical ‘signature’ associated with the earliest stages of breast cancer—one that can be detected in a simple urine sample.

“By translating these findings into a lateral flow test, we hope to create a diagnostic tool that is affordable, easy to use at home, and capable of detecting cancer earlier than many current methods.

“Early diagnosis saves lives, and our aim is to make that crucial first step accessible to as many women as possible.”

Professor Mur and breast cancer study manager Dr Aimi Zainurin are working closely with NHS colleagues to ensure the research can move quickly from laboratory discovery to real-world clinical use.

This approach is designed to shorten the time it takes for new medical innovations to reach patients—currently estimated at around 17 years.

Backed by Welsh Government

The project is supported through the Welsh Government’s SMART Award programme, which aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry in Wales.

It is also co-sponsored by Dynamic Extractions Ltd, whose expertise in separation technologies supports the development of the diagnostic tool.

Dr Helen Munro, National Clinical Lead for Women’s Health based at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “This funding has the potential to significantly shorten the time it takes for vital women’s health research to reach real-world clinical practice.

“We’re working closely with our academic partners and health boards to close that gap and ensure innovations—such as the work underway at Aberystwyth University—benefit patients far more quickly.”

Wider women’s health benefits

Alongside breast cancer, the research team is also exploring urine-based diagnostics for conditions including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which are often under-diagnosed.

Scientists hope the wider programme could help tackle long-standing delays in women’s healthcare by providing faster, more accessible diagnostic tools.

If successful, the Welsh-led innovation could place the country at the forefront of a new generation of non-invasive cancer screening—offering hope to thousands of women across Wales and beyond.

Caption:

Top team: Professor Luis Mur and Dr Aimi Zainurin, Aberystwyth University

Haverfordwest student among those recognised as Wales celebrates rising talent

TALENTED learners from across Wales have been recognised for their skills and dedication at this year’s Skills Competition Wales awards – with Pembrokeshire among those celebrating success.

The awards ceremony, held at Rhyl Pavilion on Wednesday (Mar 18), saw 287 competitors honoured following months of regional contests. In total, 97 gold, 94 silver and 95 bronze medals were awarded, highlighting the strength of technical education across the country.

More than 1,100 learners took part in this year’s competition programme, which continues to expand in line with the needs of the Welsh economy. A total of 65 competitions were held – six more than last year – including new categories focused on sustainability, enterprise and inclusive skills development.

Participation also increased, with 1,168 learners competing overall. This included 223 learners in inclusive competitions – an 11.5% rise – alongside a 7% increase in mainstream entrants.

Among those recognised was Bethany Price, 17, from Haverfordwest (pictured), who achieved a Highly Commended award in Metal Fabrication (Lead Work).

Bethany, who studies at Pembrokeshire College, said the experience had boosted both her skills and confidence.

She said: “Taking part in skills competitions has given me so many skills I wouldn’t have gained otherwise – from the overall experience to the tips and techniques I’ve learned from my tutors.

“I’m already using those skills in my day-to-day work, and it’s helped me feel more confident when speaking to new people and working under pressure.

“Just taking part has been amazing and has given me a real edge on my CV. I’m really proud to have achieved a Highly Commended medal, especially as a full-time learner competing against apprentices.”

The competition is delivered through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project and funded by the Welsh Government. It provides a pathway for learners to progress to national and international stages, including WorldSkills UK, EuroSkills and WorldSkills International.

Paul Evans, Project Director, said the standard this year reflected growing strength across multiple sectors.

He said: “The depth of talent continues to grow year on year. From first-time competitors to those progressing to international pathways, learners across Wales are demonstrating real excellence.

“We’ve expanded the programme to include new categories and more inclusive formats, ensuring learners of all abilities have the opportunity to showcase what they can achieve.”

Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, added: “These competitions highlight the strength of Wales’ skills system and its close links with industry.

“They help learners develop not only technical ability, but also teamwork, confidence and problem-solving skills – all of which are essential for the workplace.”

Applications for WorldSkills UK 2026 close on Thursday (Mar 27), with Welsh competitors also in contention to represent the UK at the international finals in Shanghai later this year.

For more information, visit inspiringskills.gov.wales.