Politicians demand firm timeline from Hywel Dda

LOCAL politicians are urging Hywel Dda University Health Board to commit to delivering a long-promised integrated health and wellbeing centre for Fishguard — and to finally set out a clear timetable for the project.

The call has been made by Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate Elin Jones and Fishguard North West county councillor Pat Davies, amid growing concern that plans for the facility have stalled.

The proposed centre would serve communities across north Pembrokeshire, from St Davids and Solva to Newport, bringing a range of services together under one roof. However, despite previous expressions of support and public consultations, no confirmed funding package or delivery date has been announced.

The current health centre in Fishguard continues to operate from a building dating back to 1976.

Councillor Pat Davies said: “People in Fishguard and across north Pembrokeshire have been patient, but they deserve more than warm words. The health board has shown interest before, but interest alone is not enough.

“Our communities need a firm commitment and a clear plan. A modern, integrated health centre would transform local services and reduce the need for people to travel long distances for care that should be available on their doorstep.”

Politicians have pointed to the example of the Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, which opened in 2019. The purpose-built facility brings together GP services, dentistry, pharmacy, diagnostics, mental health and community care, and was funded through a Welsh Government budget agreement secured by Plaid Cymru.

Elin Jones said: “This is about putting in place the long-term infrastructure needed to serve north Pembrokeshire for generations.

“We have already seen what is possible when there is political will and investment. The Cardigan centre shows what can be achieved, and north Pembrokeshire deserves the same.

“I am urging Hywel Dda to move beyond the planning stage and set out a properly funded commitment to deliver this centre. If elected, I will continue to push for the investment this community needs.”

The health board has yet to confirm when, or if, the project will move forward.

Students urged to seek work overseas despite millions spent on training

NEWLY qualified paramedics in Wales are being advised to apply for jobs overseas after a recruitment freeze left graduates with no roles in the Welsh NHS.

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has confirmed it will not be hiring newly qualified paramedics this year, citing financial and operational pressures.

The development, first reported by BBC Wales, has sparked anger among students and political figures, with some branding the situation “short-sighted” and a waste of public money.

Students left in limbo

Final-year paramedic students say they have been encouraged to look for work in countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Around 70 students are expected to graduate this summer from courses at Swansea University and Wrexham University, having completed degree-level training heavily subsidised by Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales.

Some students have undertaken placements more than 100 miles from home, expecting to move into frontline NHS roles after graduation.

Traditionally, graduates would enter the service as Newly Qualified Paramedics on Band 5 salaries, progressing to Band 6 after a period of mentorship.

However, opportunities have been shrinking. In 2025, only around a third of graduates secured paramedic posts, with others offered lower-paid technician roles instead.

‘Deeply disappointing’ decision

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said the organisation was facing a “difficult financial and operational landscape”.

They added: “Regrettably, as things stand, we are not in a position to employ newly qualified paramedics this year.”

Graduates are now being encouraged to consider roles as emergency medical technicians or to seek work elsewhere in the UK—or abroad.

Despite bursary conditions that would normally tie students to Wales, HEIW has confirmed the current cohort are now free to pursue employment outside the country.

Political backlash grows

The decision has prompted sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Jane Dodds described the situation as “a staggering waste of both talent and taxpayers’ money”, warning it made little sense while ambulance response times remain under pressure.

Plaid Cymru figures estimate that training costs of up to £150,000 per student could mean nearly £10 million of public investment failing to benefit Welsh patients.

Welsh Conservatives said the situation reflected a failure of workforce planning, while Welsh Labour insisted it remained committed to ensuring the NHS has the staff it needs.

Government response

A Welsh Government spokesperson said ministers were working closely with the ambulance service, HEIW and universities to address the issue and support affected graduates.

But for many students, the immediate reality is stark—after years of training for frontline roles in Wales, their careers may now begin thousands of miles away.

PLANS to change a former hairdressing salon in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a family-friendly coffee bar have been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Gerallt Nash seeks permission for a change of use of 26 High Street, St Davids from a hairdressing salon to a family friendly coffee bar and children’s playroom.

The First floor, formerly used as accommodation of a tenant, would be used as an office and storage of business.

A supporting statement says: “It is proposed to open a family-friendly coffee bar with a children’s playroom on ground floor. It is not intended to cook food on the premises, therefore there will be no requirement for an extractor system.

“ Other than small scale repairs to part of one floor, and the installation of a sink and serving counter in the inner room (plumbing and electrics are already in place since its last use as a salon) the main work will be the redecoration of surfaces and ceilings, the provision of new light fittings and laying of new floor coverings.

“This part of High Street has been identified as a ‘commercial’ zone by PCNPA. Existing businesses close to No 26 include outdoor and surfing outlets; restaurants; clothes shops; holiday accommodation; ice cream parlour; fish and chips outlet; delicatessen and craft shops.

“The current proposal would fill a gap in the market, as most food outlets do not open until after 11am or 12pm, or only during the evenings in some cases. It would also provide somewhere for [young] families to go to unwind whilst their children can relax in the playroom.”

It says No 26, also known as ‘Preswylfa,’ was “part of a row of three shops (with dwelling accommodation above), built and owned by Thomas Evans of Solva probably during the late 1870s,” one “leased, and later purchased, by the applicant’s great grandfather, David Evans, who owned the local windmill”.

Detailing No 26’s history, it says: “Over the years, it has served as a grocery shop, veterinary surgery (before the current building at the rear of the property), café, and hairdressing salon (on at least three different occasions).

“Mrs Susan Bennett, who ran ‘Susan’s Hairdresser’ at No. 26, retired on 1 November 2024. Since then, the exterior of the property has been repainted. A new tenant, Keeley Rose, took over the lease on December 1, 2025.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.