New plan promises more care closer to home, ‘Digital First’ services, and stronger focus on prevention

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD will consider a refreshed version of its long-term health and care strategy at a public board meeting on Thursday (Jan 29).

The proposed strategy, titled A Healthier Mid and West Wales – Healthier lives, well lived, sets out the Health Board’s priorities up to 2040 and updates ambitions first published in 2018.

Health chiefs say the refreshed plan does not change Hywel Dda’s core aim of helping people live healthier lives for longer, with a stronger emphasis on preventing ill-health and supporting people to stay well. Instead, it updates the strategy to reflect changing needs across the region, alongside wider pressures on health and care services including rising demand and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategy sets out how clinical developments, new digital tools and community facilities could provide more opportunities to offer help earlier and closer to home, while outlining how services may need to adapt in the years ahead.

Hywel Dda said the draft refresh has been shaped by engagement with communities, staff and partners across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The engagement took place in two phases between July and November 2025 and involved almost 3,000 people.

Residents were asked what matters most to them in living a healthier life, as well as being invited to share views on priorities for health and care. The Health Board said feedback was used to develop four key themes which underpin the refreshed strategy: thriving teams, healthier communities, great care and positive futures.

During the engagement, people consistently raised concerns about the distance they have to travel to access healthcare. The Health Board said the refreshed strategy aims to deliver more care closer to where people live, with greater support in communities and at home.

The plan also outlines an expanded role for digital services, including easier access to advice, appointment booking and test results. The Health Board said it intends to create a ‘Digital First’ service designed to connect homes, communities and hospitals.

The refreshed strategy also builds on work started in 2018 on a Social Model for Health and Wellbeing, which aims to shift services away from mainly reacting to illness and towards preventing ill-health earlier, with prevention described as a central priority for improving health and reducing long-term demand.

Hywel Dda Chief Executive Professor Phil Kloer said: “Our communities have been clear about what matters most to them. People want fair access to care, strong local services, and support to stay well in their daily lives.

“This proposed strategy refresh is about listening to that feedback and setting a clear direction for how we work together over the next 15 years. Our strategy focuses on health and keeping people well, not just treating illness.

“It is also guided by our values of belonging, growth and working together. These values continue to emphasise the importance of putting people first, improving our services, and supporting each other to deliver the best care possible.

“We will continue to work with our communities and the individuals who play a vital role in shaping our social model for health and wellbeing.”

Lee Davies, Hywel Dda’s Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, said delivering the refreshed plan would require “a more radical approach” to how care is provided.

He said: “The principles of our 2018 strategy remain the same, but the world around us has changed. This refresh ensures our vision, goals and priorities reflect today’s challenges and opportunities.

“We will continue to move towards prevention, wellbeing and primary and community care, supported by digital solutions where appropriate. Most importantly, it shows how what people told us is being reflected in our plans.”

The Health Board said that if the refreshed strategy is approved, it will be finalised and published in multiple accessible formats. Work with communities, staff and partners would continue as delivery plans are developed, and the strategy would be regularly reviewed to reflect changes and developments in health needs across the region.

50% jump from March as Health Board says charges must increase to maintain “high-quality care”

WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL staff with young children have raised concerns over a steep rise in crèche fees which they say could leave some parents questioning whether it is worth staying in work.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed the hourly rate at the Withybush Crèche will increase from £4.50 per hour to £6.50 per hour from March 2026.

Parents told The Herald the increase will hit families with children under three particularly hard, as they do not qualify for the same level of childcare support available to older children.

One parent of a two-year-old said the change could add around £450 a month for parents using the service five days a week, warning that once childcare is taken into account, their partner — who works in an administrative role at the hospital — would effectively be “working for £20 a day”.

In a statement, Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “From March 2026, we will need to increase the hourly rate for our childcare fees at Withybush Crèche from £4.50 per hour to £6.50 per hour, which is broadly in line with other local service providers. Our fees have remained the same for several years, but to continue to provide the high-quality care children attending our crèche deserve, we now need to make this adjustment.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and follows a rigorous review into how we could offer best value for money for parents using the service.

“We have sent letters to parents explaining the changes and are inviting parents who have any questions or would like to talk this through to get in touch with us.”

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Apple Pressing 2026’, a project made possible with support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund.

The funding has enabled the Trust to purchase a mains-powered Speidel 2.2kW apple press, replacing the manual equipment previously used by National Park Rangers in their popular community apple-pressing workshops.

The upgraded press improves safety, efficiency, and accessibility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to take part in apple pressing while learning about traditional orchards, Welsh heritage apple varieties, and sustainable food production. Workshops will take place across Pembrokeshire, including Carew Castle and other community venues. There’s even a hint of something special with Bluestone this coming year, so get collecting your apples!

Apple pressing sessions engage schools, families, and community groups, promoting hands-on learning, intergenerational participation, and a deeper connection to the natural environment. By making the workshops safer, faster, and more productive, the project will expand opportunities for communities to engage with local food traditions and biodiversity.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re so glad to see the project coming to life. We’re proud to support a project that’s hands-on, educational, and great for communities across Pembrokeshire!”

This project is part of the Trust’s ongoing mission to conserve and enhance the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, support biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and connect communities with the outdoors. The new press will be branded with Bluestone’s logo, highlighting their commitment to community wellbeing and environmental engagement.

Caption:

Support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund has enabled the launch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust’s ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ project.