Health

Senedd backs call for more dentists in Wales

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2024

THE SENEDD called on the Welsh Government to increase the number of training places for dentists amid warnings about “dental deserts” across the country.

Siân Gwenllian led a cross-party debate on dentistry training, with the Conservatives and Lib Dems joining forces with Plaid Cymru to amplify concerns about poor access to services.

Ms Gwenllian said a shortage of dentists exacerbates Wales’ “three-tier” system, with none of the practices in her Arfon constituency taking on new NHS patients.

She said: “A three-tier system where some are fortunate to access an NHS dentist, others can pay to go privately and the third tier, unfortunately, are those who can’t access NHS dentistry and can’t afford to pay to go privately.

“I don’t have to outline the problems that emerge for those in the third tier. Members are only too familiar with horrific stories about sepsis and do-it-yourself dentistry.”

Ms Gwenllian told the chamber, or Siambr, a common-sense solution would be to increase the number of university training places.

“But, to the contrary, the government sets a cap on the number of places that can be provided in our only school of dentistry in Cardiff – an annual cap of 74 places,” she said.

The former councillor and journalist criticised a new dental workforce strategy, saying it does not commit to any specific increase in educational or training provision for dentists.

Pointing to a Tory commitment to a 24% increase in undergraduate places in England, she said: “Unfortunately, the party of Aneurin Bevan hasn’t shown the same ambition.

“And it is depressing and it’s a stain on Wales that the ability of a number of our constituents to access dentistry is reliant on their ability to pay.”

The Plaid Cymru politician argued having one school of dentistry in south Wales will never be sufficient to meet the needs of the whole country.

Sam Rowlands, the Conservatives’ shadow health secretary, said provision in north Wales is “simply not good enough” as he raised concerns about “dental deserts”.

He agreed that 74 places a year is not enough to plug the gap as he echoed calls for a “fully funded and fully functioning” dental school in his region.

Carolyn Thomas, who also represents North Wales, said people across the UK are struggling to access NHS dentists, with nine in ten not accepting new patients.

The Labour member recognised Wales-specific challenges on recruitment and retention, but pointed to progress with the dental academy in Bangor.

She told the chamber Labour has a fully costed plan to “rescue” dentistry at a UK level which will lead to much-needed consequential funding for Wales.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru’s shadow health secretary, raised concerns about a “failure to retain dentists and an even greater failure to train new dentists”.

Mr ap Gwynfor said only eight people from Wales got a place on Cardiff’s dentistry course last year, with only about half of the wider annual cohort choosing to stay in Wales.

Rhys ab Owen criticised a lack of data, saying: “It’s astonishing that we can’t say here and now in the Senedd how many people are waiting to see a dentist under the health service.”

Mr ab Owen raised a constituent’s concerns about their son, who was referred aged 11, having to wait nine years until he is 20 for orthodontic treatment.

The independent, who represents South Wales Central, said: “My constituent’s son has experienced bullying, his confidence has been knocked and his self-esteem damaged.”

Eluned Morgan told the July 3 debate that NHS dentistry has been a key priority since she became Wales’ health minister four years ago.

Providing an update on the recommendations of a 2023 health committee report on dentistry, Baroness Morgan said work on an all-Wales central waiting list is under way.

The health secretary reiterated that the key aim of dental reforms was new patients who have historically struggled to get access to NHS dental care.

Baroness Morgan said 500,000 people who had not received NHS dental care for more than four years have gained access since the reforms restarted in April 2022.

She said: “It’s interesting to note that an incoming Labour Government is also planning to deliver new NHS appointments, but proportionally we’re streets ahead of where the UK Tory Government was in terms of NHS access by new patients.”

Turning to dental training places, she stressed the need to take a “long-term evidence-based view” and be careful not to “over-focus” on dentists.

Baroness Morgan, a former member of the European parliament, said any increase would be difficult due to financial challenges and a lack of spaces at Cardiff’s dental school.

She said a second school would be the best option but warned: “That would mean a great deal of investment and financial pressures don’t allow that at present.”

However, she encouraged a joint proposal from Aberystwyth and Bangor universities.

The motion – which was co-submitted by Ms Gwenllian and Jane Dodds, the Lib Dems leader in Wales – was agreed with 29 for, none against and 15 abstentions.

Seven Labour backbenchers voted in favour.

Health

RCN Wales appoints Nicola Williams as Executive Director

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.

Health

Decision pending on adult mental health referral pathway

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1

Health

Parents urged to check children’s vaccinations after meningitis cases

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Local pharmacy reports MenB vaccine shortage amid rising concern

PARENTS and carers across west Wales are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status following recent meningitis cases in the UK.

The warning comes as a local pharmacy has confirmed a shortage of the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, highlighting growing pressure on supplies.

Mendus Pharmacy said it currently has no availability of the vaccine due to what it described as a nationwide supply issue.

***Mendus Pharmacy: No availability of the vaccine***

In a statement, the pharmacy said: “We would like to inform our patients that, due to ongoing supply issues, we currently have no availability of the Meningitis B vaccine.

“Unfortunately, this is a nationwide shortage and all stock is currently unavailable.

“We understand this may be particularly concerning given the recent outbreak reported in Kent, and we completely appreciate the importance of timely vaccination.”

The pharmacy confirmed it is operating a waiting list and will contact patients once supplies return.

Health officials say keeping vaccinations up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and reduce pressure on NHS services.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, urged parents to act.

She said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect children and young people from serious illness.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities.

“I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status. If you are concerned that your child may have missed routine vaccinations, please speak to your GP.”

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. While many people recover, some are left with long-term physical, neurological or psychological complications. Around one in ten cases can be fatal.

Although the disease can affect anyone, babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.

In Wales, vaccines protecting against meningococcal strains A, B, C, W and Y are offered as part of the NHS immunisation programme. Infants receive the MenB vaccine, while teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccine.

Latest figures from the Health Board show that uptake among 16-year-olds for the MenACWY vaccine stands at 76.4%, meaning a significant number of young people remain unprotected as they approach adulthood.

For younger children, uptake of the MenB vaccine is higher but still below the recommended 95% target. Around 92.8% of infants are vaccinated by their first birthday, rising slightly to 91.8% by their second.

Health officials say these figures reflect strong engagement from families and primary care teams but stress that continued vigilance is needed.

Families are being advised to check their child’s vaccination record with their GP or by contacting the Health Board directly. Parents should also ensure babies receive their scheduled MenB doses and that teenagers receive their MenACWY and 3-in-1 booster vaccines, which are currently being delivered in schools.

Parents are also urged to remain alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and to seek urgent medical advice if they have concerns.

Further information on symptoms is available via NHS 111 Wales.