COMMERCIAL fishermen and sea users have voiced their anger over the latest military range activity schedule for Castlemartin Range in 2025, which will see significant restrictions on access to coastal waters.

The schedule, released by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), confirms that military exercises will take place across June, October, and November, with extended firing times drastically limiting the ability of commercial and recreational vessels to navigate the affected sea areas.

According to Huw Baker, Chair of the Freshwater East Boatmen & Fishermen’s Association, the closures will have a devastating financial impact on local inshore fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods.

Mr Baker said: “None of the fishers have been contacted about these increased range activities or the sea area closures. There has been no consultation to discuss alternative access routes that would allow us to continue earning a living. The military has effectively blocked off access during prime fishing months, leaving fishermen struggling to stay financially afloat.”

Under the new schedule, the sea areas off Castlemartin will only be accessible during limited hours—between 3:00am and 8:00am, and again between 6:00pm and 8:00pm—making it near impossible for many commercial fishers to operate efficiently.

“This decision comes at a time when the cost of living is hitting everyone hard,” Mr Baker added. “With weather and tides already limiting access, these additional restrictions from Castlemartin and Manorbier firing ranges mean we’re left with barely any opportunities to work.”

Mr Baker is calling for an urgent meeting with range management to discuss the concerns of the fishing community and explore potential compromises that would allow local businesses to continue operating.

The Herald has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.

The Welsh NHS is lagging dangerously behind England in digitising patient records, with Senedd Member Gareth Davies warning that the country’s health service must be dragged into the digital age.

Speaking in the Senedd, the Vale of Clwyd MS challenged the First Minister to urgently accelerate the digitisation of patient records. Davies criticised the sluggish pace of digital transformation, highlighting that the vast majority of patient records in Wales remain paper-based, while in England, the NHS is advancing rapidly with digital records accessible via the NHS app.

Growing digital divide

Davies warned of an ever-widening “digital rift” between England and Wales, arguing that the Welsh Government’s current plans are insufficient. While Wales has pledged to digitise maternity records by 2026 and introduce electronic mental health records in some areas, Davies insists this is not enough. He emphasised the efficiency, cost-saving, and safety benefits of full digitisation.

Citing a 2020 Public Services Ombudsman report, Davies pointed out that 70% of NHS complaints in Wales could not be fully investigated due to missing medical records. He stressed that digitalisation would ensure patients receive timely and accurate care without the risk of lost or misplaced information.

Calls for immediate action

Following his Senedd address, Davies said: “It’s not a big ask for the Welsh Government to ensure that doctors don’t have to wade through stacks of paper to find a patient’s medical history. The government has been dithering for years, creating a huge digital divide between England and Wales. Our analogue NHS must be brought into the 21st century.”

Impact on Pembrokeshire

Healthcare in Pembrokeshire is already under strain, with long waiting times and stretched resources at Withybush Hospital. The lack of digital records only adds to the burden, with delays in accessing medical histories causing disruptions in patient care. The introduction of digital records could help streamline services, reduce errors, and improve efficiency at local GP practices and hospitals.

Welsh government response

The Welsh Government acknowledges the complexity and cost of implementing an electronic health records system. It has announced several initiatives, including:

• Developing a national business case for a new electronic health records system.
• Expanding the Digital Health and Care Record, linking patient information across Wales.
• Creating a single national clinical data repository through the National Data Resource (NDR).
• Rolling out the NHS Wales App, providing citizens with digital access to health services.
• Digitising prescribing and medicines management across Wales by 2030.
• Enhancing the Welsh Clinical Portal, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient records digitally.
• Introducing the Welsh Nursing Care Record, allowing bedside digital record-keeping for nurses.
• Digitising maternity patient records by 2026.
• Implementing digital mental health records in some areas, such as Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

Opposition and further debate

Despite these initiatives, critics argue the rollout is too slow. The Welsh Conservatives, in a November 2023 debate, pushed for an urgent implementation of the NHS app and e-prescribing across the Welsh NHS. They also urged the government to integrate artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure.

Plaid Cymru has also raised concerns about the NHS’s outdated technology, including the continued use of fax machines.

Future of digital healthcare in Wales

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), the body overseeing digitisation efforts, has outlined its strategy through 2030. This includes a move towards cloud-based systems, a consolidated electronic health record application, and full digital prescribing.

However, the pace of implementation remains a contentious issue, with Gareth Davies and other campaigners demanding swifter action to prevent Wales from falling further behind England in healthcare technology.

As the debate continues, the Welsh Government faces increasing pressure to accelerate reforms and modernise the NHS for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals alike.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man who suffered a severe head injury while cycling to work says he “wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Wales Air Ambulance.”

Twelve years ago, Roger Van Praet was on his way to volunteer at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works in Porthmadog when he was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

Roger, a non-executive director for FUW Insurance Services Limited, recalled: “It was a dire situation. I was unconscious on the road, and thankfully, someone I work with called the emergency services.”

He was stabilised by a land ambulance crew and rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, where doctors discovered he had suffered brain bleeds and required specialist care. They decided his best chance of survival was urgent treatment at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“That’s when the Wales Air Ambulance was called. I have no recollection of this,” he said. “I was told I received critical care onboard, and the clinicians and pilot ensured my safe arrival.”

He added: “The journey to Stoke takes about 25 minutes by air compared to three and a half hours by road. I will be eternally grateful to the air ambulance team for looking after me. The helicopter transfer was absolutely critical to my survival.”

Lifesaving service

The Wales Air Ambulance delivers hospital-standard treatments at the scene and, if necessary, transfers patients directly to the most appropriate hospital. The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, with the charity relying on public donations to raise the £11.2 million needed annually to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles running.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides NHS consultants and critical care practitioners for the charity’s operations. Their advanced critical care includes administering anaesthesia, delivering blood transfusions, and performing minor operations at the scene.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel across the country to provide lifesaving care wherever needed.

Roger, who makes monthly donations to the charity, said: “It’s such an important cause and deserves everyone’s support. You never know when you might need it—I certainly didn’t wake up that morning expecting to require critical care.”

A life-changing accident

Roger and his wife Sian were staying in their caravan at the volunteer hostel in Porthmadog when the accident happened, just a mile from the Ffestiniog Railway engine works.

“I’d cycled the same route a dozen times with no issues. It was around 6:30 in the morning, not completely dark,” he said. “I remember cycling and approaching traffic lights near some roadworks. Once they turned green, I started off—that’s all I can recall.”

Later, he learned that roadworks had blocked the pavement, forcing a pedestrian onto the road, where they collided. “We had a glancing blow. I came off my bike headfirst and hit the road. The walker was uninjured,” he said.

Roger, a former Compliance and Operations Director at the Farmers’ Union of Wales, spent several days in ICU before regaining consciousness in acute care.

“On the surface, I looked fine—no broken bones. But when I stood up, my balance and coordination were affected. I had to relearn how to walk,” he said. “The recovery took much longer than expected.”

He did not return to work for nearly two years and had to adapt to lasting changes. “I never went back full-time and instead worked three days a week. It was a very worrying time for my family, but the Farmers’ Union of Wales was extremely supportive.”

Roger later became Managing Director of FUW Insurance Services before retiring in December 2020. He remains involved with the Union as a non-executive director.

“I was delighted when FUW President Ian Rickman announced fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance during his presidency,” he said. “It provides essential critical care and does an incredible job, saving lives across Wales.”

Reflecting on his experience, Roger added: “I’d always wanted to ride in a helicopter—it’s just a shame that when I finally did, I have no memory of it.”