TOP Hywel Dda health board officials are turning a blind eye to its escalating health care failings despite pocketing six-figure salaries.

So says Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell who is calling for an urgent meeting with Hywel Dda’s chief executive, Phil Kloer.

“The Hywel Dda Health Board needs to recognise that there’s a problem with health care outcomes and care delivery, but what is it going to take for them to recognise that?” Henry Tufnell commented this week.

His comments followed an in-depth survey of 1,000 people living in Pembrokeshire which confirmed that a staggering 62% have to wait more than a week for a GP appointment.  43% have cited a lack of available appointments as their biggest challenge, while no fewer than 87% claim healthcare services have worsened in recent years.

“But it’s the real stories that show the scale of the crisis,” continued Henry Tufnell.

“I know of a cancer diagnosis that has been delayed by over a year, while ambulance waiting times can be more than 13 hours, even for urgent cases.  Critical care needs are going unmet and this is forcing patients to seek private treatment.”

Tufnell has now submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Hywel Dda University Health Board demanding greater transparency on waiting times, service provision and a plan strategy to fix the crisis.

“Despite all the latest evidence, in addition to everything we gathered during the election campaign, there’s still no acceptance by the Board that there’s a problem,” he said.

“But it’s their responsibility to deliver health care within this county, and they’re failing.  The management is failing us here in Pembrokeshire and there’s a complete lack of transparency and accountability.  All these people sitting in management roles are being paid huge amounts of money, some bringing in six figure salaries.  But they’re failing.”

Mr Tufnell has now requested an urgent meeting with Hywel Dda chief executive Phil Kloer which is expected to take place on February 14.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have extended their congratulations to President Donald J. Trump ahead of his inauguration, with Darren Millar MS urging the Welsh Labour Government to strengthen ties with the United States. The announcement has sparked controversy, with anti-racism campaigners demanding a retraction of comments made by Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan defending Trump.

Conservative endorsement

Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, stated: “I would like to extend my congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration. His return to the White House signals a conservative resurgence on the other side of the Atlantic which is welcome.”

Millar criticised Labour for what he described as undermining the UK’s “special relationship” with the US, pointing to Labour activists’ anti-Trump stance and the absence of the Prime Minister at the inauguration.

He added:
“In the interests of global peace, trade links, and economic development, deepening our ties with the incoming administration will be paramount.”

Backlash from anti-racism groups

Millar’s remarks coincide with growing calls for First Minister Eluned Morgan to apologise for comments made in November, where she expressed doubt about Trump’s alleged racism. During a BBC interview, Morgan remarked:
“I shouldn’t think he is, to be honest. There were a hell of a lot of black people and Latinos who voted for him in the election.”

This has sparked criticism from Welsh anti-racism groups, including Stand Up To Racism, Black Lives Matter, and MEND. In an open letter signed by nearly 100 campaigners, the groups condemned Morgan’s comments as “reckless,” accusing her of downplaying Trump’s history of inflammatory rhetoric.

Hussein Said, Chair of Stand Up To Racism Cardiff, stated:
“To dismiss the racism of Trump is to ignore the very real ways in which he emboldens far-right and fascist figures here in the UK. The Islamophobia and anti-migrant rhetoric they use should never be legitimised.”

The letter also highlighted Trump’s divisive policies, such as the Muslim travel ban and mass deportation plans, which they argue are antithetical to human rights.

Royal visit speculation

Meanwhile, Downing Street has hinted at a possible royal visit to the US to cement the UK-US “special relationship.” A government source said:
“Donald Trump has a clear affinity for the royal family. A royal tour to the US would help reinforce the special relationship.”

The meeting could coincide with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, where Trump has pledged to host “the best of all time” events.

Divided opinions in Wales

Trump’s inauguration has reignited debates in Wales over the UK’s relationship with the US under his leadership. While some, like Millar, see an opportunity to rebuild transatlantic ties, others warn against legitimising what they view as a divisive and dangerous administration.

The Herald will continue to follow the implications of these developments for Wales.

CASTELL HOWELL has launched a new Food Show, showcasing the food trends and innovations that the hospitality industry can expect to see in 2025 and giving visitors a preview of its growing range of Welsh food and drink products. 

The new industry event is taking place alongside the 2025 Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Conference Centre in Newport from 20-22 January.

Castell Howell managing director Matt Lewis said: “The Castell Howell Food Show will be a new highlight in this three-day celebration of Welsh culinary excellence, hospitality skills, and innovation. As the largest wholesale supplier of Welsh Food & Drink, it gives us the opportunity to champion our excellent Welsh producers, to support hospitality customers in developing their businesses and, ultimately, to help our communities and local economies throughout Wales to thrive.

“Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Castell Howell specialists representing every aspect of our business from insights into the latest trends, to discovering what’s in the pipeline for Welsh food and drink producers in 2025,” he said.

The Castell Howell Food Show will be a new annual event in the calendar at the start of the year, serving as a preview for its larger established trade shows, hosted at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli and Parc Eirias in Conwy. 

The Welsh International Culinary Championships, organised by the Culinary Association of Wales, bring together the nation’s most talented craft chefs, butchers, and front-of-house professionals for three days of demanding competition. The 2025 WICC also hosts the Skills Competition Wales hospitality finals, showcasing the country’s top apprentices.

Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: 

“These two events promise to be a fantastic showcase for Wales’ food and drink industry. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Wales’ culinary excellence and the strength of our hospitality sector. Castell Howell plays an important role in supporting Welsh farmers, producers and the hospitality sector – and I wish them well with this new event.” 

Further information about the event is at foodshow.wales