NHS leaders in Wales are urging the next Welsh Government to take a long-term approach to ensure the sustainability of health and social care services.

The Welsh NHS Confederation (WNHSC) has outlined key priorities it wants to see included in political party manifestos ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. These include prevention, workforce planning, performance and financial frameworks, social care reform, and investment in infrastructure.

The WNHSC, which represents all NHS organisations in Wales, conducted a survey of 95 NHS leaders to identify the most pressing issues facing the sector. The five key priorities are:

• Delivering a cross-government national strategy to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
• Investing in a long-term workforce plan for the NHS and social care, including education and training.
• Publishing a joint health and social care performance and financial framework for seamless care.
• Establishing an independent rapid review to develop a long-term plan for social care sustainability.
• Launching a long-term capital and infrastructure strategy.

NHS leaders warn that health and social care services are under extreme pressure, with high demand and limited resources. The growing elderly population is adding further strain, with the number of people aged 80 and over expected to double between 2000 and 2038. Additionally, the number of people living with four or more long-term conditions is predicted to nearly double by 2035.

Darren Hughes, director of the WNHSC, said: “The needs of the population are evolving. Over the next decade, we need a fundamental shift from a reactive healthcare model—treating illness—to a proactive one that focuses on prevention and early intervention.

“There’s an alarming wave of demographic and health challenges ahead, but we have an opportunity to make significant improvements within the next five to ten years. This requires a whole-system approach, with government, public services, and society working together to drive better health outcomes.”

NHS leaders are calling on the Welsh Government to prioritise investment in community-based services and prevention across all sectors. They argue that sustainable reform will only be possible through collective action and long-term planning.

The WNHSC will be engaging with politicians in the coming months and plans to release a more detailed report outlining the steps needed to secure the future of health and social care in Wales.

A VULNERABLE 73-year-old cancer patient was left fearing for his life after being assaulted by a 32-year-old man in his own home, a court has heard.

Haverfordwest magistrates were told how the pensioner suffered head lacerations and bruising to his arms when an argument with James Britton turned violent on December 23, 2023, at a property in Winch Crescent, Haverfordwest.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “What began as a verbal row turned physical. The victim, a vulnerable man, was unable to fight back.”

In a victim impact statement, the pensioner described the lasting trauma the attack had caused him.

“Before the assault, I was a happy, outgoing person who wasn’t afraid to go out by myself. But since then, I’m scared to leave the house. I’m terrified about bumping into James Britton, and I’m terrified that he’ll carry out his threat to kill me.

“Before this, I’d never been physically assaulted. He knew I had cancer and that I was recovering. Now I’m just existing … I just want to stay at home.”

Britton, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage to the victim’s mobile phone, glasses, and dentures—together worth £915.98.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court Britton regretted his actions and wanted to leave the area.

“The defendant wants to put this behind him and start a new life outside of Haverfordwest. It might not be the most productive place for him,” he said.

Mr Lloyd admitted Britton had “a chequered past”, noting he had recently spent four months in prison on remand for an offence he denied before the case w

A NATIONAL tractor road run will take to the roads of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion this summer, covering 39 miles of scenic countryside.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run will set off from Awenfryn Farm, Glanrhyd, near Moylgrove, on Saturday, June 15, taking participants on a picturesque route through Ceibwr Bay and the coastline before heading inland.

After covering 24 miles, the convoy will stop for a midday refreshment break near Cwmgwaun, before continuing along the Preseli mountain road and returning to Awenfryn Farm.

The event is being organised by the North Pembrokeshire Road Run team, with funds raised supporting the Welsh Air Ambulance, Crymych First Responders, and Cardigan First Responders.

Dai Rees, from Cilgerran, and his team of organisers are hoping for a strong turnout after last year’s event was held in Llanwrtyd Wells due to difficulties in securing an organising team in Ceredigion.