Concerns over access to hearing services in Wales

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

CONCERNS have been raised about access to hearing services, with statistics showing the number of people on waiting lists for a hearing aid has ballooned by 150% in three years.

Janet Finch-Saunders told the Senedd that 527,100 adults – 17% of Wales’ population – have a degree of hearing loss that would benefit from treatment such as hearing aids.

She said that 4,000 people were waiting for a hearing aid appointment three years ago but by September 2023 that number had reached nearly 10,000.

Highlighting that Wales has the highest proportion of over-65s of any UK nation, she told the chamber it is imperative to develop the best hearing services possible.

She explained that incidence increases by about 1% per year of age, so 80% of 80-year-olds and 90% of 90-year-olds will have hearing loss.

The Aberconwy MS raised concerns about a “postcode lottery” in terms of waiting times.

She said only one patient waited longer than 14 weeks in Swansea, 583 in Hywel Dda and a staggering 1,674 in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area.

Ms Finch-Saunders pointed out there is also an inconsistent spread of audiologists employed by health boards with five in Powys and 65 in Betsi Cadwaladr.

Calling for greater collaboration with independent providers such as Boots and Specsavers, she argued it would help health boards add capacity and improve access.

She said the model, which is in use in England and Ireland, has provided services at a third of the per-patient cost compared to hospital services.

Ms Finch-Saunders highlighted that the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) found that 26% of families were dissatisfied with waiting times for paediatric audiology.

She told MSs: “Health needs to work with education, which has seen a 17% reduction in teachers of the deaf in Wales since 2011.”

Ms Finch-Saunders added that NDCS has found that some children are being denied individual development plans under Wales’ new additional learning needs system.

She warned: “Hearing loss cuts people off from each other. This can increase the risk of social isolation, cognitive decline and other mental issues.

“And I’m given to understand that it can actually bring on early dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Too often, deaf people who simply cannot hear quite often feel that they are referred to as ‘daft’ people – and that’s the stigma that we’ve got to get rid of.”

Mark Isherwood, who lost his hearing as a younger person, urged ministers to recognise that demand for audiology services is only going to increase.

He echoed calls for the NHS to work with community audiology service providers.

Natasha Asghar, a fellow Conservative, who represents South Wales East, highlighted a Senedd event on adult age-related hearing loss that she sponsored on Tuesday.

Joel James, who spoke about his own experiences of hearing loss at the event, said hearing impairment is linked to cognitive decline but when aids are fitted, it ceases immediately.

He said: “If we look at child development, we know of social isolation, the impact in terms of speech and language, and then also the social skills that can be impaired.

“And then if we look at when we become adults, in terms of the working environment, there are 4.4 million in the entire UK that have hearing difficulties.

“Many of them feel that they’re being discriminated against in the working environment.”

Russell George, the Conservatives’ shadow health minister, emphasised the need for early intervention and diagnosis, saying it can bring a saving down the line.

Responding to the short debate on February 7, Eluned Morgan recognised that hearing loss can be devastating at any age and can leave people feeling isolated.

The health minister said audiology services are delivered differently from the rest of the UK, arguing there is a stronger emphasis on primary and community care than elsewhere.

Baroness Morgan said she does not have any principled objection to exploring private sector options but the Welsh Government will prioritise public sector provision.

“If they can’t do it, then, obviously, let’s look at alternatives,” she told the chamber.

“But I would like to give this a fair wind, and I guess the health boards are on notice that they’ve got to deliver on what we’re asking them to deliver.”

She added: “Let’s stick to the plan, and, if they don’t deliver, then there’ll be ructions.”

Four youths linked to night of disorder in Milford Haven

Published

40 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of four youths are believed to have been involved in a series of incidents in Milford Haven late on Sunday night, culminating in a reported break-in at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

At approximately 11.50pm, four young males walked into The Pembrokeshire Herald building on Victoria Road directly from the street.

They spoke briefly with editor Tom Sinclair and asked him for £10. When he refused, the group left the premises without further incident.

The youths are then believed to have gone to a nearby flat, where resident Ri Marr said they climbed scaffolding beside her home, banged on her windows and attempted to open her door.

Ms Marr, who lives alone, said she was terrified because she did not initially know who was outside.

She said police attended quickly and took a statement.

It is understood that two members of the group later entered the nearby Lord Nelson Hotel, where a substantial amount of stock was allegedly stolen from the bar.

Hotel manager James Findlay has released CCTV images showing two young males in the rear service area of the premises and appealed for help identifying them.

He said those responsible had an opportunity to return the stolen stock, adding that the hotel would otherwise fully support any police investigation using CCTV, fingerprints or other evidence.

The incidents all took place within a short distance of each other and over a relatively brief period.

The Herald understands that four youths were present during the earlier incidents, although only two are alleged to have entered the Lord Nelson.

Anyone who recognises those shown in the CCTV images, or who has information about the movements of the group, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

The Herald has approached the force for confirmation of the reported incidents and details of any investigation.

RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard rescue kayakers blown offshore at Llangrannog

Published

60 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.

New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.

An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.

New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.

The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.

All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.

The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.

The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.

“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.

“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Business

Welsh financial and legal firms set to benefit from landmark Swiss trade deal

Published

1 hour ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.

The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.

However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.

UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.

The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.

It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.

Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.

Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.

“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.

“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.

“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”

The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.

Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.

She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.

“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.

The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.

The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.

Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.

British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.

Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.

The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.

Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.

He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.

Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.

While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.

The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.

The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.