A NEW report has called for every stage of Wales’ health and care system to be better connected in order to improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting times.

The Bevan Commission, Wales’ leading independent health and care think tank, has published Chain Reaction: Managing patient flows across health and care systems and services.

The paper examines the causes of poor patient flow and sets out ways to reduce pressure on services, including earlier intervention, better community support, improved use of digital tools and closer working between health, social care and local services.

It identifies seven key areas affecting how patients move through the system: people and communities, primary and community care, social care and care homes, urgent community support, 111 and transport, emergency and minor injury care, outpatient and diagnostic services, and hospital assessment, treatment and discharge.

The commission warns that simply moving pressure from one part of the system to another will not solve the problem, and says whole-system planning is needed.

Tools such as telehealth, digital medicines, virtual wards, social prescribing and quicker responses to falls are highlighted as ways to improve patient flow and help people manage their own health more effectively.

Bevan Commission Director Dr Helen Howson said: “Health and social care services are facing huge demands and we know that we are only going to face even bigger pressures. The population in Wales is living longer, but more unhealthily. We are seeing a doubling of the over-90s and an increase in dementia.

“We believe that health is a shared responsibility, extending beyond the NHS, to include local government, workplaces, people and communities. Preventing unnecessary admissions into the system and enabling people to better manage their own health and wellbeing will be critical to help reduce demand for clinical services.”

The report says prevention and early intervention will be essential if Wales is to reduce the number of people relying on formal care services.

It also highlights programmes such as Education Programmes for Patients Cymru, which helps people living with long-term conditions and their carers gain the skills and confidence to manage their own health.

Where formal care is needed, the commission says patients must be involved in designing services around their needs. It also calls for better real-time data and digital systems to improve communication between care teams.

Dr Howson added: “This paper highlights the interdependencies of all parts of the system and the impact of one upon the other. It reinforces the urgency for whole system planning and transformation, built around patient needs.

“By connecting every part of care, we can reduce inefficiencies, improve outcomes and better meet the evolving needs of people now and in the future.”

LANDLORDS in Pembrokeshire are being reminded that a Welsh Government-backed leasing scheme remains available for those looking for a secure way to rent out their properties.

Leasing Scheme Wales Pembrokeshire allows landlords to lease properties to Pembrokeshire County Council for between five and 20 years, with guaranteed rental payments throughout the lease period.

The scheme is designed to increase access to affordable private rented homes, provide longer-term security for tenants, and give landlords greater confidence and support.

It also aims to improve housing standards and help reduce homelessness across the county.

Landlords taking part can receive guaranteed rent at Local Housing Allowance rates, support with tenant management, and protection through lease agreements covering tenant-related damage, excluding fair wear and tear.

Financial support may also be available. This includes grants of up to £5,000 to improve property standards or energy efficiency, and up to £25,000 to help bring empty properties back into use. Additional retrofit funding may also be accessible.

Pembrokeshire County Council is encouraging landlords to consider the scheme as a reliable, low-risk way to let their property.

Landlords can express interest through the online form or contact the Private Rented Sector team by emailing [email protected].

CREST HOTEL GROUP says it is investigating safeguarding concerns after staff at the Imperial Hotel in Tenby raised alarm over a senior employee who they say has a conviction linked to indecent images of children.

The Herald understands concerns were raised internally after staff became aware that a senior member of the hotel group’s guest experience team was alleged to be a convicted sex offender and subject to safeguarding restrictions.

The Imperial Hotel, on The Paragon, is one of Tenby’s best-known seafront hotels and regularly welcomes families and children.

Staff concern

A source at the hotel, who asked not to be named, told The Herald that employees were deeply worried after becoming aware of the man’s background.

The source said staff had raised safeguarding concerns because children and families are regularly present at the hotel.

They also alleged that, during a staff meeting after concerns were raised, management said they were aware of the matter, stood by the employee, and did not believe he presented a risk.

The Herald has not been able to independently verify everything said at that meeting, but has put the allegations directly to Crest Hotels Group.

Company response

A solicitor acting for Crest Hotels Group confirmed the company was aware of the safeguarding concerns raised.

Minesh Patel, of Keystone Law, said: “Our client considers the safety of its guests and employees of paramount importance and have appropriate safeguards, supervision and risk management oversight in place.

“Our client will be investigating the allegations and at this stage have no reason to suspect the safety of their guests, visitors or employees has been compromised.”

He added that, as the matter related to an individual employee, it would not be appropriate for the company to comment further on confidential employment matters.

Crest Hotels Group also asked The Herald to refrain from publishing “speculation or unsubstantiated facts”.

Public interest

The Herald is not naming the individual at this stage while further checks are carried out.

However, the case raises clear questions about safeguarding, transparency, risk assessments, and the reassurance given to staff working in a family hotel environment.

Crest Hotels Group’s own website lists a Group Director of Guest Experience role among its senior team, describing the role as one which shapes “every moment of a guest’s journey”.

The company has not denied that safeguarding concerns were raised by staff.

Nor has it denied that it is investigating allegations involving an employee.

The Herald has asked Dyfed-Powys Police and Pembrokeshire County Council whether any safeguarding concerns have been reported to them.

More follows.