A GROWING trend in Wales sees more people investing in dental insurance, with one in five Welsh residents (20%) opting for cover—the highest rate in the UK.

The UK’s dental insurance market has surged, expanding from £109 million to £180 million over the past two years. This increase in dental coverage coincides with a broader national emphasis on dental care, with Welsh residents leading the charge.

A recent study by Smart Money People, the UK’s leading financial services review site, reveals that Welsh residents are more likely to have dental insurance than those in any other region, with the national average lagging behind at 12%. Additionally, 19% of Welsh respondents indicated they had previously chosen private dental care.

The influence of popular culture may play a role, with Welsh Love Island finalists Nicole and Ciaran capturing audiences with their signature ‘Love Island Smiles’. Their appearance on the hit show is thought to have inspired viewers in Wales to focus on dental aesthetics and health, potentially sparking this surge in dental cover.

When asked about their reasons for taking out insurance, 54% of Welsh residents cited peace of mind, while 6% believed a claim might be likely. Interestingly, 20% think they are more likely to win the lottery than make an insurance claim, and 16% feel they have a better chance of gaining fame.

Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, advised: “Selecting the right dental insurance can be challenging, especially as we increasingly focus on having the perfect smile. Reading reviews from customers can help ensure that your chosen policy will be a wise investment for the future.”

WITHYBUSH Hospital in Haverfordwest is facing ongoing challenges due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with management acknowledging the issue “will not go away, ever.” Malcolm Arnold, estates manager, stated that the hospital must continually monitor and manage RAAC throughout the building’s lifespan.

The problem first emerged last year, prompting the closure of six wards in the 12-ward facility. Though these wards reopened in April, Hywel Dda Health Board announced that further closures will be necessary for re-surveying by year-end. Despite these temporary shutdowns, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Carruthers reassured that this round of work will be “nothing like the scale” seen previously.

Responding to the hospital manager’s statement, Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Minister Sam Rowlands MS expressed concern, calling for more comprehensive support for Welsh hospitals. He stated: “Hospitals in Wales need regular surveying, otherwise we will continue to see further capacity lost and patient lives put at risk. With our hospitals crumbling and leaking across Wales, the Labour Welsh Government needs to get real and put serious capital investment on the table to repair the NHS’ infrastructure.”

Raac, a cost-effective but less durable alternative to standard concrete, was commonly used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. It poses structural concerns due to its limited lifespan, impacting numerous buildings in Wales, including schools, markets, and hospitals like Withybush. The Welsh Government allocated £12.8 million to address affected areas in the hospital.

Following the major incident last year, departments such as outpatient clinics and kitchens have resumed operations, with physiotherapy and pharmacy expected to reopen soon. Nurse Sarah Davies, now working on a reopened ward, remarked on the positive atmosphere, saying: “It feels so good to be back… It’s just nice to have noise here.” However, she acknowledged the frustration that further closures would mean “one step forward, two back.”

The health board plans additional ground floor surveys in 2025 and 2026, with the expectation that Raac management will be an ongoing process. Carruthers commented, “The hospital is over the worst of it… [the re-surveying] will be for a very short period of time in small areas of the facility.” However, for Withybush, Raac is now a “business as usual” concern.

In addition to Withybush, Raac has been found in non-patient areas of Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, suggesting the material’s widespread reach across healthcare facilities in Wales.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Carruthers said: “We are really pleased that most of the Outpatients services which were relocated while we worked to repair the RAAC-affected outpatients’ clinical areas have now returned to Withybush.”

Because of the return of outpatient consultations to Withybush, patients are being asked to check their appointment correspondence to ensure that they attend the correct venue for their appointments.

Mr Carruthers said that the health board would write to patients to confirm the date, time and location of appointments or ring patients whose appointments are imminent.

“We urge everybody to please read the appointment letter carefully and note any change of venue, as appointments previously held at a community-healthcare sites may now have returned to Withybush,” said Mr Carruthers.

RAAC is a material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings between the 1960s and 1990s. Its presence was confirmed at Withybush Hospital in January 2022.

Although all wards affected by RAAC planks were re-opened in April this year, work will continue until April 2025 on remedial work to the hospital’s ground floors and affected wards will need to be temporarily closed while re-surveying work takes place at the end of this year and in to 2025.

Re-inspection surveys will begin on the ground floor areas affected by RAAC across 2025 and into 2026.

However, the kitchen has now re-opened and the Therapies area – including Physiotherapy – is on schedule to re-open in mid-November.

Work began on the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) area in August with the work expected to be finished by the end of the month and operational for mid-November.  Work on the Pharmacy area is expected to begin in November and completed within the month.

“We know that the survey work and remedial action has caused considerable disruption and concern among members of our community, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” said Mr Carruthers.

“The health board would like to thank hospital staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding over the last months while we have been carrying out this essential work.”

If patients have any concerns or need further information, they are being advised to please contact the Waiting List Support Service by telephone 0300 303 8322 and choose option 3 or e-mail [email protected].

Further information on the RAAC issue at Withybush Hospital can be seen on our dedicated page on our website – RAAC – Hywel Dda University Health Board (nhs.wales).

HALLOWEEN is an exciting time of year for many children and adults. However, it can be an unsettling time for people with dementia, including an estimated 42,000 people in Wales.

Changes in the home environment can be confusing for people with the condition, who sometimes have difficulty interpreting their surroundings.

With the growing trend of more frightening costumes and activities in recent years, Halloween can be truly frightening if someone doesn’t understand what is happening.

Some people with dementia have difficulty recognising friends and family members, so seeing people in Halloween costumes could cause additional confusion.

If you enjoy celebrating Halloween and have a loved one with dementia visiting your home, it’s important to consider their needs when planning your decorations.

While a carved pumpkin is harmless, scary props and loud, noisy decorations designed to startle can be distressing. Also, aim to keep floors and entranceways clear to prevent trips and falls.

If you’re concerned about a loved one with dementia, try to spend the evening of Halloween with them, or arrange for someone responsible to be with them.

The noise of excited children going door to door after dark can feel disorientating for someone with dementia. Consider placing a sign on the door politely asking trick or treaters to skip the house as multiple callers after dark can be overwhelming, especially unexpected visitors in costumes.

If you have children who are planning to go trick or treating, it’s best to approach nearby households in advance to check they are happy to take part.

Households that wish to participate in the tradition often indicate this by displaying a pumpkin, so remind your children to avoid houses without Halloween decorations.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Country Manager for Wales, Rachel Nelson, said: “We want people to enjoy Halloween, but please be mindful of people with dementia and how the unexpected change of routine can be stressful for them.

“Too many people face dementia alone. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re experiencing, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step.”

According to Welsh Government data, at least 42,000 people are living with dementia in Wales. Alzheimer’s Society research indicates that this could rise to nearly 70,000 people by 2040.

If you’re affected by dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s support line on: 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk