Cross-party calls for targets on tackling child poverty

Published

1 year ago

October 16, 2024

SENEDD members from across the political divide reiterated calls for targets to tackle the scourge of child poverty after the Welsh Government published a “monitoring framework”.

Jane Dodds said a review, which was published alongside the child poverty strategy framework on Monday, makes the route clear – “no targets and therefore no change”.

The Liberal Democrats’ leader in Wales told the Senedd it should be ashamed that 29% of children are in poverty as she stressed: “We must do better.”

Pointing out that poverty targets are enshrined in Scottish law, she added: ”The Labour Welsh Government has no clear target on how to eradicate child poverty.

“If you actually believe your strategy will work then measure it … what are you afraid of?”

During a debate on the children’s commissioner’s 2023/24 annual report on October 15, she urged Labour to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Ms Dodds, who was a child protection social worker for 27 years, said: “Keir Starmer says we must ‘share the pain’ – if you’re a child in poverty, you’re already living in pain.”

Sioned Williams warned children’s rights are being undermined by poverty, accusing Labour of putting party interests before children.

Plaid Cymru’s shadow social justice secretary backed the children’s commissioner’s calls for clear targets and outcomes in the Welsh Government’s child poverty strategy.

Ms Williams criticised Labour and the Tories over “unjust and damaging” policies, accusing Welsh ministers of being too cowardly to press party colleagues in London for change.

Ms Williams, who represents South Wales West, denounced the Welsh Government for abolishing a previous target of eradicating child poverty by 2020.

Joel James focused on growing use of e-cigarettes among children and young people, with 24% having tried vaping and 7% found to be regular users.

The Conservatives’ social justice secretary told the Senedd that some vape liquids are laced with “spice”, a dangerous lab-made drug designed to mimic cannabis.

He echoed the commissioner’s call for stronger action on banning single-use vapes.

Mr James said: “Four in five smokers start before the age of 20, and are addicted for life, and so we need to be acting much faster if we’re going to prevent this health epidemic.”

Turning to school meals, he said the commissioner reported that only 19% of children felt full after their meal as he raised concerns about standard portions regardless of age.

He warned of a two-tier system, with richer families able to provide a packed lunch and poorer children left to go hungry.

Gareth Davies, a fellow Conservative, said the report suggests the Welsh Government still has a steep climb ahead to make progress on child poverty.

“We have been ascending at a disappointing pace, unfortunately,” he warned, calling for a commitment to reducing abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences by 2030.

He added: “30% of children in Wales are still living in poverty, which is way too high.

“This is higher than both Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it’s more than three times higher than Denmark, Finland and Norway.”

The Vale of Clwyd MS raised the report’s warning that nearly half of Welsh children aged seven to 11 are worried about having enough to eat, “which is completely unacceptable”.

Labour’s Buffy Williams, who chairs the Senedd children’s committee, backed concerns about single unified safeguarding reviews which incorporate multiple separate ones.

Ms Williams said the Welsh Government told the committee the reviews were world-leading and groundbreaking in an evidence session on child criminal exploitation last month.

“Yet this report raises a number of significant concerns about the proposed new reviews … governance, accountability and implementation of review recommendations,” she said.

“Worryingly, the commissioner is unclear about what changes, if any, have been made to the review process to address these concerns.”

Ms Williams also raised the Welsh Government’s corporate parenting charter, saying the committee is sceptical it will deliver tangible change for looked-after children.

Labour’s Julie Morgan pointed to progress on children’s rights including votes for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Welsh Government’s ban on smacking children.

The former minister focused her contribution on Gypsy and Traveller children, warning of a worrying trend in low attendance at school.

She said: “I’ve spoken at length to a Gypsy mother, who described the experiences of her teenage son in high school, and the extreme levels of prejudice and bullying he experienced.

“This is just not acceptable and we simply have to do better.”

Responding to the debate, Jane Hutt said the Welsh Government’s strategy sets out the aim of mitigating the worst impacts of child poverty.

On vaping, Wales’ social justice secretary said legislation proposed at Westminster will be the biggest public health intervention in a generation.

RCN Wales appoints Nicola Williams as Executive Director

Published

21 hours 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

2 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.