Health

Senedd backs call for more dentists in Wales

Published

11 months 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

Have your say on NHS changes in Pembrokeshire

Published

21 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Drop-in events planned across the county as Hywel Dda consults on future of key services

A SERIES of public events is being held in Pembrokeshire this month and next as part of a major consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board on the future of local NHS services.

The consultation, which covers nine different areas of care, could lead to significant changes in how services are delivered at hospitals and community facilities across west Wales – including Haverfordwest, Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

The Health Board says the aim is to tackle long-standing issues, reduce waiting times, and improve standards of care.

The services under review include:

Critical care
Dermatology
Emergency general surgery
Endoscopy
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedics
Radiology
Stroke
Urology

Proposals include reorganising how and where these services are delivered – something which may affect Withybush Hospital and community clinics across the county.

Local residents are being urged to attend one of several drop-in events, where Health Board staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback.

Public events in Pembrokeshire include:

Friday 27 June – HaverHub, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, 2:00pm–7:00pm
Friday 4 July – Tenby Leisure Centre, SA70 8DU, 2:00pm–7:00pm
Thursday 10 July – Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DD, 3:00pm–6:00pm

A further event will be held in neighbouring Ceredigion at The Guildhall in Cardigan on Tuesday 8 July, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

There will also be a series of online consultation events, each focusing on specific service areas. People can register via the Hywel Dda website.

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning at Hywel Dda, said: “No decisions have yet been made and no options have been preferred at this stage. This consultation is your chance to shape how services are delivered in the future. We are keen to hear from residents about what matters to them and how services can be improved.”

The Herald understands the proposed changes are part of the Health Board’s long-term strategy to build a more sustainable NHS in Mid and West Wales, but local campaigners have previously voiced concerns about potential downgrading of Withybush Hospital.

Pembrokeshire residents can share their views by attending an event or by completing an online questionnaire.

Full information about the proposals – including the consultation documents and registration links – is available at:
👉 hduhb.nhs.wales/clinical-services-consultation

Health

Welsh residents urged to wear sunglasses year-round, not just when it’s Sunny

Published

2 days ago

June 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WELSH residents could be putting their vision at risk by only wearing sunglasses when the sun is shining – with only 20% of people in Wales admitting to putting on their sunnies year-round.

Alarmingly, 50% of Welsh adults only reach for their sunglasses when it’s sunny, while just 36% wear them when the skies are overcast. This is despite the fact that UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and reflect off surfaces like water, sand and snow.

The research, commissioned by Specsavers, which polled 2,000 UK adults, also revealed that nearly 13% in Wales mistakenly believe that darker lenses offer better protection from UV rays. As a result, 23% have purchased sunglasses under this misconception, unaware that UV defence has nothing to do with the tint of the lens.

Ayad Shafiq, Cataract Clinical Lead at Newmedica, said: “Protecting your eyes from UV rays is essential to reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can significantly lower this risk. However, it’s important to note that individuals with existing cataracts or macular degeneration often require enhanced lighting to see clearly, so their need for light must be balanced carefully with UV protection. Consulting an eye care professional can help tailor the right approach for each individual.”

The research also uncovered a range of myths and misunderstandings around eye health. Almost a quarter of Welsh respondents (23%) wrongly believe sunglasses block all types of light damage, while 20% assume sunglasses never expire – both of which are false. Furthermore, 12% of people admit they rarely wear sunglasses even when it is sunny. Among this group, 32% say it’s simply not a habit they’ve picked up, and 26% find them inconvenient due to wearing prescription glasses.

When it comes to choosing new shades, most people in Wales spend just over 30 minutes researching the right pair, with 13% admitting they don’t wear sunglasses often enough to justify putting much effort into the decision. Of those, 46% want a pair that suits their face shape and feel more confident when they like how they look in sunglasses, and 29% say it’s essential their shades match their personal style.

Despite the confusion, many people are aware of the potential long-term damage UV rays can cause – with retinal damage (41%), photokeratitis (35%) and cataracts (26%) rated most highly. However, more than a third (35%) don’t associate cataracts with UV exposure, believing the condition is purely age-related. In fact, 27% say they’ve never seen any public health messaging linking the two.

According to the research, 41% admit they don’t know much about cataracts, even though 55% are worried about developing the condition.

To book an eye test, or to find the right pair of UV protection sunglasses for you, visit Specsavers.co.uk.

Health

New equipment will help locate NHS patients’ veins

Published

4 days ago

June 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thanks to generous public donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has funded two handheld vein viewing systems for the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit and the Outpatients Department at Withybush Hospital.

At times, due to medical conditions or patient anxiety, it can be difficult for staff to take blood samples or insert a cannula. The new vein-finding equipment, worth over £9,000, will help reduce the number of unsuccessful attempts and improve the experience for both patients and staff.

Helen Johns, Hospital Service Manager, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations that have allowed us to purchase these two vein finders for Withybush Hospital.

“Both departments regularly take blood samples, and SDEC often needs to cannulate patients before starting treatment. As SDEC focuses on early interventions to avoid hospital admissions, any delay in treatment can impact that goal.

“This equipment will make a real difference – especially for anxious patients who may already be worried about their condition. If we can reduce failed attempts, we improve care and reduce delays.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “The support from our local communities helps us to fund enhancements above and beyond what the NHS can provide in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Every donation makes a real impact, and we are truly thankful.”