Health

Medical waste and toxic emissions causing health issues, say residents

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

NEW photographs have emerged this week from the Withyhedge landfill site, near Haverfordwest, now dubbed “a stink bomb on steroids” by the local community. The photos, show that the dump is currently accepting hazardous and medical waste. Over the last few months, the site has become a thorn in the side of residents, and now according to them, is causing health issues.

Colin Barnett, a local resident at the forefront of the battle against the landfill’s toxic emissions, has reached out to public health officials in the NHS in a desperate plea for action. Despite presenting medical evidence from 2022 and recent compliance notices that highlight the concerning presence of healthcare waste, Barnett and the community feel ignored.

The lack of response from public health representatives, especially in light of a crucial community meeting set for February 26, has only added to their frustration.

The community’s concerns are well-founded, with a recent straw poll revealing significant health impacts: 31% of residents report suffering from headaches, 14% from nausea, 6% from breathing difficulties, 9% from increased anxiety levels, 19% from sore eyes, and 18% from sore noses or throats. These alarming statistics, coupled with 822 reports made to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in January 2024 alone, underscore the severity of the issue.

The situation at Withyhedge has been exacerbated by the response from its operators, Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), who have been ordered by NRW to “contain and collect” all fugitive emissions by a revised deadline of 5 April. Despite RML’s apology and assurances of rectifying the issue, the community remains skeptical, especially given the past legal issues involving an RML director and illegal waste dumping.

NRW’s involvement has highlighted the complexity of managing landfill gas emissions and odours, with the regulatory body emphasising that short-term solutions proposed by RML may not suffice in the long term. The community’s battle against Withyhedge is not just about the immediate stench but also about addressing potential long-term environmental and health risks.

As the community gears up for the upcoming meeting, their demands are clear: they seek not only immediate action to mitigate the toxic emissions but also long-term solutions to ensure such crises do not recur. Their fight transcends the odour issue, touching on broader themes of accountability, transparency, and the need for a collaborative approach to safeguard public health and the environment.

The Withyhedge landfill crisis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in waste management and the critical importance of regulatory oversight, corporate responsibility, and community advocacy. As the residents of Pembrokeshire stand united in their demand for a cleaner, safer environment, the outcome of their struggle could set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed across the UK, emphasizing the power of community action in the face of environmental adversity.

DAVIES CALLS FOR INTERVENTION

A call for Welsh Government intervention has been made by Senedd Member Paul Davies, after residents in Pembrokeshire continue to suffer as a result of odours from Withyhedge landfill site in Haverfordwest.

Mr Davies raised the matter in the Senedd Chamber and asked for the Welsh Government to intervene to support those affected and to ensure that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is undertaking its regulatory and enforcement duties effectively.

Following the request Mr Davies said, “Residents are continuing to suffer as a result of the terrible odours at Withyhedge landfill site and it’s vital that the Welsh Government intervenes to support those affected.”

“This is a public health concern and little action has been taken to resolve this matter – and that needs to change.”

“The Welsh Government is responsible for Natural Resources Wales and that’s why I asked for the Welsh Government to intervene and help support residents affected by the odours from the site. It’s crucial now that action is taken – and taken as soon as possible.”

Natural Resources Wales said there is now evidence that a recent proposal made by the company to contain and collect landfill gas to reduce smells was not “compliant with its permit” and was likely to “contain many unknowns with potential problems for the future.”

It considered the short-term benefits of alleviating the smell were “outweighed by the medium-to-longer term risks”.

Describing the decisions required to be made as “complex” the statement said “noticeable reductions in landfill gas emissions and odours are anticipated in the coming weeks”.

The residents are waiting too see if that is true.

There will be a public meeting coming up on Monday (Feb 26) at Crundale Hall 7.00pm.

Health

Rural social care in west Wales ‘left to pick up the pieces’

Published

18 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CLAIRE ARCHIBALD MS has challenged the First Minister over pressures facing rural social care in west Wales, warning that families in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are being left without the support they need.

The Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions, saying reductions in the clinical role of rural hospitals had not been matched by proper investment in community care.

Ms Archibald, who has previously worked as a carer, said the impact was being felt by patients stuck in hospital, families struggling to secure support, and people unable to spend their final days at home.

She told the Senedd: “Across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, Labour has reduced the clinical role in our rural hospitals, but the community care to fill the gap has simply not been put in place.

“The results are delayed discharges, families left struggling, and many people denied the chance to spend their final days at home with their loved ones.

“We have providers across west Wales handing back contracts, refusing referrals and shelving expansion because they cannot recruit the workforce.

“So, after 26 years of Labour-led government supported by your party, isn’t it the truth that rural social care has been neglected and left to pick up the pieces?

“What concrete action will your government take to restore front-line social care in west Wales?”

Following the exchange, Ms Archibald said the issue was not simply about policy, but about real families being placed in impossible situations.

She said: “I have seen first-hand how important good care is, both for the person who needs support and for the family around them.

“When community care is not there, people stay in hospital longer than they need to, families are left fighting for help, and people lose the chance to be cared for at home.

“This is especially serious in rural areas like Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where distance, workforce shortages and reduced local services all make the pressure worse.

“For too long, rural social care has been left to carry the burden while services are taken away elsewhere.

“People in west Wales deserve better than warm words. They need clear action, proper workforce planning, and front-line care that actually reaches them.”

Ms Archibald said she would continue pressing the Welsh Government on delayed discharges, care package shortages, workforce pressures and the need to protect services in rural communities.

Health

Welsh Ambulance Service to hold extraordinary board meeting

Published

18 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE will hold an extraordinary Trust Board meeting later this month.

Members of the public will be able to watch the meeting online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday (Jun 25), from 9:30am to 10:00am.

Board members are expected to receive and approve the Trust’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2025–26.

Colin Dennis, Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Our Board meetings play a vital role in ensuring transparency and openness in everything we do, and we would invite anyone with an interest in the Trust’s work to join us virtually to find out more.”

A link to watch the meeting will be available through the Trust, but viewers are advised it will only work from 10 minutes before the meeting begins.

An agenda will be published on the Trust’s website in the days before the meeting.

Health

Wales becomes first UK nation to offer online gambling harm support

Published

20 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WALES has become the first UK country to offer nationwide access to a new online NHS programme for people affected by gambling harms.

The free course, Space from Gambling Harms, is available through the SilverCloud platform and can be accessed at any time on a phone, tablet or computer without the need to see a GP.

It forms part of the new All-Wales Gambling Treatment Service, which launched in April alongside a 24-hour helpline.

The 12-week programme is based on cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational enhancement therapy, helping users reflect on their gambling habits, build confidence, and develop skills to regain control.

Jodie Morgan, Clinical Operational Manager at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which manages the gambling service and helpline for NHS Wales, said: “Improving access to support is a key part of the All-Wales Gambling Treatment Service.

“Space from Gambling Harms offers people another way to access confidential, evidence-based support at a time that suits them, and we will be supporting patients across Wales to access the programme alongside our wider treatment offer.”

The course is available to anyone in Wales aged 18 or over via self-referral. Users are advised to spend around 20 minutes a day, three times a week, working through the programme.

Anyone who self-refers is assigned an NHS-trained supporter who can provide guidance, advice and encouragement.

Fionnuala Clayton, project manager for NHS Wales’ online CBT service, said: “Through SilverCloud, we want to remove as many barriers to support as possible and provide people with tools they can use in a way that fits around their lives.

“This programme gives people the opportunity to reflect on their habits, gain the skills and confidence to control their gambling, and get their lives back on track.”

The programme is one of 28 mental health and wellbeing courses available through SilverCloud, which is managed by Powys Teaching Health Board.

Other SilverCloud programmes for mild-to-moderate mental health issues, including anxiety, stress, depression and poor sleep, are available to anyone in Wales aged 16 or over.

In Wales, research suggests tens of thousands of people are affected by gambling harms each year.

The new helpline offers information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling, including family members and others impacted. Where needed, callers can be referred on to specialist treatment services.

Anyone affected by gambling harms can call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 281 9265.

Professionals and individuals can also refer to the Gambling Treatment Service by calling 03000 859464 or emailing [email protected].

Self-referrals to SilverCloud’s Space from Gambling Harms programme can be made at nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/.