THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has announced changes to the way it assesses eligibility for its Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS), saying the move is needed to cope with increasing demand and ensure support is available for those who need it most.

The service, which provides transport to and from healthcare appointments for patients who are unable to travel independently because of their medical condition or mobility needs, is introducing a more consistent approach to applying Welsh Government eligibility criteria.

In a statement released on Tuesday (July 1), the trust said it was also improving the way patient journeys are planned and managed, with the aim of reducing short-notice cancellations and making the service more reliable for eligible patients.

The announcement comes just days after the Welsh Ambulance Service declared a critical incident following a significant rise in demand across its emergency services, highlighting the wider pressures facing healthcare transport across Wales.

The trust said the eligibility criteria themselves are not changing, but assessments will be carried out more consistently to ensure limited resources are directed towards patients with the greatest need.

A spokesperson said: “We’re strengthening how we assess eligibility for our non-emergency patient transport to help ensure support is available for those who need it most.

“Due to increasing demand, we are applying Welsh Government eligibility criteria more consistently and improving how journeys are planned and managed. Our aim is to reduce short-notice cancellations and provide a more reliable service for eligible patients.”

Patients who currently use the service may notice additional questions or checks when transport is booked or reviewed.

The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service is separate from the 999 ambulance service and is primarily used by patients attending regular hospital appointments, dialysis, cancer treatment and other healthcare services where independent travel is not possible.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is encouraging anyone concerned about their eligibility or transport arrangements to contact the service for further information.

The changes are expected to be rolled out across Wales over the coming months.

ANDREW RT DAVIES has accused the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government of backtracking on a pledge to hold a Wales-specific Covid inquiry.

The Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend challenged ministers in the Senedd this week, asking whether the Government’s proposed examination of Wales’s pandemic response would be a full public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005.

Such an inquiry would have statutory powers, including the ability to compel witnesses and evidence.

Mr Davies said Plaid had repeatedly called for a Wales-specific inquiry while in opposition, but claimed ministers were now using the language of a “review” instead.

Speaking in the Senedd, he asked Trefnydd and Culture Minister Heledd Fychan to clarify whether the process would be an inquiry under the 2005 Act.

He said: “In his statement last week, he referred constantly to the Covid review rather than the Covid inquiry that the Government promised when they were in opposition.

“It was quite clear that, when you were in opposition, you were voting for an inquiry.

“Can we have clarity, please, via a statement, to understand the Government preparations in putting this together and that it will be an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005?”

Ms Fychan did not directly confirm whether the process would be statutory, but said Plaid would stand by its manifesto commitment and continue working with families affected by the pandemic.

She told the Senedd: “I will refer the Member to the Plaid Cymru manifesto, where it was clear, and the commitment that was made in working with Covid bereaved families, in terms of what we would commit to.

“Certainly there will be an update when that work does progress.

“He will also know that we stood shoulder-to-shoulder and have been calling for lessons to be learned. And that’s what needs to happen here: lessons should be learned, so that preparations are better for the future.”

Responding afterwards, Mr Davies said the answer suggested Plaid was watering down its previous position.

He said: “Plaid Cymru’s first weeks in power have been marred by broken promises.

“Their failure to commit to a Covid inquiry with full statutory powers suggests they’re backtracking on this too.

“The cynical way in which many politicians fail to keep their pledges is the reason public trust in politics has collapsed.”

The dispute matters because there is a significant difference between a statutory public inquiry and a non-statutory review.

A statutory inquiry can compel documents and witnesses. A review may be quicker and cheaper, but its powers depend on the terms set by ministers.

Plaid’s position has developed over time. While in opposition, the party was among the strongest voices calling for Wales-specific scrutiny of the pandemic response. In November 2025, following the publication of the UK Covid Inquiry’s report into core decision-making, Heledd Fychan said a Plaid Government would conduct a dedicated “gap inquiry” to examine Welsh Government decisions.

However, Plaid’s 2026 manifesto promised to “establish a review of Wales’s Covid response, its legacies and lessons for the future within the first year of the next Senedd term, with a targeted focus on Wales-specific matters and questions not covered by the UK-wide inquiry.”

That wording is likely to be central to the political row now developing in Cardiff Bay.

The UK Covid Inquiry has already considered aspects of Wales’s pandemic response. Module 2B focused on core political and administrative decision-making in Wales, including decisions taken by the First Minister and Welsh Ministers between early 2020 and the lifting of remaining restrictions.

The inquiry has also published reports on resilience and preparedness, decision-making, healthcare systems, and vaccines and therapeutics. Further reports are expected on procurement, social care, test and trace, children and young people, economic support, and the wider impact of the pandemic.

For many families in Pembrokeshire and across Wales, the issue remains deeply personal rather than political.

Pandemic decisions affected care home visits, hospital appointments, school closures, business support, funeral arrangements, access to GPs and the rules governing daily life. In rural areas such as west Wales, the impact was felt by older residents, tourism businesses, farming families, pupils, carers, NHS staff and people who lost loved ones in difficult and often isolated circumstances.

Covid Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru has continued to call for a Wales-specific statutory public inquiry. The group has argued that Wales does not need simply to repeat the UK-wide inquiry, but does need a short, focused and economical process capable of answering questions specific to Wales.

The Welsh Government says it remains committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and has pointed to its manifesto commitment to a targeted review.

The key question now is whether that review will have the legal force demanded by opposition politicians and bereaved families, or whether ministers will opt for a narrower process intended to report more quickly.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government whether the planned Covid review will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, whether it will have powers to compel evidence and witnesses, when its terms of reference will be published, and how bereaved families in Wales will be involved.

MILFORD WATERFRONT has announced a packed summer programme of free activities, family entertainment, outdoor cinema, live music and waterfront attractions.

The summer season will begin with the free annual Milford Haven Carnival on Saturday, July 4, before more festival-style entertainment arrives at the Milford Waterfront Weekender from August 14 to 16.

Other highlights include outdoor cinema screenings on Mackerel Quay, free Under the Bridge evening activities for young people aged 11 to 17, exhibitions at the Waterfront Gallery, and a range of family attractions across the marina.

Throughout the school holidays, visitors can also explore Milford Haven Museum and learn more about the town’s maritime heritage. Entry costs £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for children, while under-fives go free.

For those looking to get out on the water, Milford Beach Activity Centre will offer SUP and kayak hire, as well as guided tours of the waterway, with prices starting from £15.

Indoor activities include ten-pin bowling, indoor play and themed events at Phoenix Bowl, with prices from £7 per person.

Families looking to stay locally can also take advantage of a summer offer at Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, where children stay for free when sharing a family room with their parents. The hotel, which overlooks the marina, is offering rooms from £74 per night for stays between July 13 and September 1, 2026.

Milford Haven Carnival

Milford Haven Carnival, hosted by Milford Haven Round Table, takes place on Saturday, July 4.

The colourful parade will begin at Waterloo Square before travelling along Hakin Bridge, Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, finishing at Milford Waterfront.

From 1pm to 5pm, visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink, pop-up stalls, a funfair and family entertainment.

The celebrations will continue into the evening with a free Carnival afterparty at the Lord Nelson Hotel, hosted with Westpresents. Running from 3pm to 11pm, the event will feature live performances on a main stage, an outdoor bar, face painting and a large LED screen provided by TCW Productions.

Milford Waterfront Weekender

From August 14 to 16, Milford Waterfront Weekender will bring three days of food, music and entertainment to Mackerel Quay.

Running from midday into the evening, the event will feature street food from Pembrokeshire and south-west Wales, along with live music in a waterfront setting.

Outdoor cinema

Milford Waterfront will also host three outdoor cinema screenings in association with the Torch Theatre.

Finding Nemo will be shown on Friday, July 17, with arrival from 1.30pm, followed by Back to the Future later the same day, with arrival from 6pm.

The Greatest Showman will be screened on Friday, August 21, with arrival from 6pm.

All screenings will take place on Mackerel Quay. Tickets cost from £12 per person, or £44 for a group of four.

Free youth activities

Free Under the Bridge activities for young people aged 11 to 17 will take place every Tuesday and Friday from July 21 to August 28.

Running from 6pm to 8pm, the sessions will include arts, music, sports activities and inflatable games.

More information is available from Milford Youth Matters on Facebook.

Full details of the summer programme can be found at milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on.