THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have intensified their criticism of the Labour Government over shockingly long ambulance waiting times in Wales. During Wales Questions in the House of Commons, Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick highlighted a harrowing case from his constituency, underscoring the dire state of emergency healthcare in Wales.

An 82-year-old man was forced to drive his wife, who had suffered a stroke, from Rhayader to Hereford—over an hour and 15 minutes away on winding, poorly maintained country roads—while she was paralysed and vomiting, unable to receive any immediate medical assistance. The family was left with no choice after waiting two hours for an ambulance and being informed that the wait could extend another 4–7 hours.

Chadwick described the delays as “abysmal” but, unfortunately, not uncommon in border communities across Wales. He called on both the UK and Welsh governments to take urgent action to address ambulance delays, emphasizing that a crisis in social care was exacerbating the problem.

RECENT FIGURES HIGHLIGHT GROWING CHALLENGES

Recent NHS Wales data reveals that in 2024, response times for Category 1 (life-threatening) calls remain below the target of 65% being answered within eight minutes. In some areas, fewer than 50% of such calls are met within this critical window. Furthermore, figures show that average ambulance waiting times have reached nearly six hours in parts of rural Wales, leaving patients in vulnerable situations.

Hospital congestion is one of the primary causes of the delays. Ambulances are frequently left queuing for hours outside hospitals like Hereford and Glangwili, as wards remain full due to patients who cannot be discharged without adequate social care arrangements. Care Forum Wales has warned that the ongoing social care funding crisis could collapse the system entirely, leaving a £150 million shortfall after changes in funding announced by Labour in the UK Government Budget.

STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES IN WALES

The geography of Wales presents unique challenges for healthcare provision. Vast rural areas, coupled with poor road infrastructure, mean that emergency services often struggle to reach patients quickly. In 2024, Powys—one of the most rural counties in Wales—saw ambulance response times among the worst in the country.

Moreover, staff shortages across the NHS and social care sectors are contributing to the strain. Healthcare workers are reportedly leaving the industry due to burnout, low pay, and the increasing complexity of their roles. Many social care providers have also expressed concern that the Labour Government’s decision to increase national insurance for care providers risks making an already precarious situation worse, potentially leading to more closures of care homes and services.

CALLS FOR ACTION

David Chadwick reiterated his concerns, saying: “Residents across Powys and right across Wales are enduring unacceptably long waits for ambulances in moments of crisis. A 7-hour wait is no longer a rare occurrence—it’s a damning indictment of how stretched our emergency services have become.

“Our hardworking healthcare professionals are doing everything they can under incredibly tough circumstances, but they need support. Labour’s policy of increasing national insurance for social care providers risks making the situation at A&Es worse by leading to more blocked hospital beds and further delays in ambulances being able to respond to emergencies.

“Social care is a critical part of the solution to easing pressures on hospitals and ambulance services. Without urgent action to address these systemic issues, residents will continue to face unacceptable risks. I will keep fighting for my constituents to ensure that no one is left without care during their time of need.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for a reversal of the national insurance rise for social care providers, increased investment in both NHS Wales and the social care system, and improved road infrastructure in rural communities to ensure emergency services can reach patients more efficiently.

A SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN

The challenges facing Wales’s healthcare system are deeply rooted and multifaceted. While ambulance waiting times are a visible symptom of the crisis, addressing the underlying causes—such as social care shortages, funding deficits, and rural infrastructure—will require coordinated action between the Welsh and UK governments. Without such efforts, the risks to patients across Wales will continue to grow.

THANKS to donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to purchase 16 TVs worth over £7,000 for the patient rooms in the Accident & Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital.

Jo Dyer, Senior Nurse Manager, said: “We are very grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase 16 new TVs for the Accident & Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital.

“It is hoped that patient experience will be improved by installing the new televisions in patient rooms as well as helping to make them more comfortable during their time in the department.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it is pleased to confirm the award of a Pre-Construction Service Agreement for the Brynhir housing development in Tenby.

Morgan Construction of Carmarthen has been appointed following the evaluation of a two-stage tender.

Morgan Construction is currently due to begin work on the site in summer 2025.

This will be subject to discharging planning conditions, consideration to ecology periods and minimising disruption during the height of the tourist season.

Eight phases are currently planned, allowing for homes to be available sooner. It is expected that the development will be completed in 2029.

In total, 125 homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council at Brynhir.

These homes will range in size and consist of 93 affordable housing (social and intermediate rent), 16 shared ownership, and 16 open market sale.  

This development will also include a range of formal and informal play and recreational areas throughout the site, with direct links into the town.

Anyone who is interested in the properties are advised to complete a housing application form to join the Choice Homes housing register.

However, if you are already on the housing register, you do not need to do anything else at this stage.

To join the housing register, please see: www.choicehomespembrokeshire.org/new-customers/how-to-apply

There will be a local connection requirement applied to this housing development.

The criteria for this will be developed closer to the time, ahead of the first phase completion.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I am delighted that we have reached this stage, and I look forward to seeing the site take shape.

“This is a significant development for Tenby and the surrounding area, providing much needed affordable housing.”

If you have any questions about this, or any other development, please contact the Housing Development Team via [email protected] or 01437 764551.

Caption: Artist’s impression of the forthcoming Brynhir development.