Health

‘A pointless talking shop’: Conservatives quit Senedd Covid committee

Published

12 months ago

March 29, 2025

THE CONSERVATIVES quit a Senedd committee charged with addressing gaps in the UK Covid-19 inquiry after Labour blocked calls for witnesses to swear an oath.

Senedd Members voted 24-23 against a cross-party motion, which was tabled by the Tories with the backing of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats.

The motion proposed amending rules to give the Senedd’s Covid committee a discretionary power to require witnesses to take an oath or make an affirmation

Set up by the Welsh Government, which rejected calls for a Wales-specific public inquiry, the committee published a report this week on gaps in the UK-wide inquiry for further scrutiny.

A Labour majority on the business committee, which organises proceedings in the Senedd, previously blocked calls for powers to require witnesses to tell the truth.

Tom Giffard, who was thought to be at loggerheads with Labour co-chair Joyce Watson on the issue, quit as co-chair immediately after the debate on March 26.

Mr Giffard said: “Without the safeguard of requiring witnesses to speak under oath, this committee has become a pointless talking shop. I refuse to be part of a process that fails to give the public the answers they deserve.”

He told the Senedd: “Covid bereaved families feared that this committee would become a whitewash of politicians marking their own homework.

“I initially resisted that suggestion, defending the committee as best I could. I’m afraid I can no longer do that. I do not have the confidence that this committee will be able to get the answers that the families who have lost loved ones deserve.”

He added: “I will not allow my name and reputation to be tarnished by the perception that this is a committee more interested in protecting the reputation of the government than getting to the bottom of the truth…. I’m unwilling to associate myself with a committee seemingly designed to protect those it is supposed to hold to account.”

Speaking following the debate, Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, lead for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru campaign group, said: “Wales has just hit its lowest point in democracy and governance.

“Our Labour Welsh Government isn’t even pretending to be transparent and accountable any more – they have just shouted it out in Cardiff Bay. We’re not sure where this leaves us, devolution or Wales. A very sad day.”

Describing the outcome of the vote as a farce, she said: “This isn’t just another Senedd committee, it is one that has been set up because thousands of lives were lost due to Welsh Government decisions, established so that this never happens again.

“Yet today, Welsh Labour used their whip to block this basic requirement. The message is clear: they do not want their actions during the pandemic scrutinised at any level.”

The campaigner stressed: “We don’t want hollow condolences. The voices of our lost loved ones must be heard and their deaths must be properly examined. Enough is enough. Justice for Wales. Accountability for Wales. The fight is not over.”

Leading the debate, James Evans said the Conservatives entered the Covid committee process in good faith, committed to working constructively cross-party.

But he told the Senedd: “We believe it is only right that the Senedd’s standing orders be amended to provide the committee with the vital discretionary powers….

“This is not a dramatic proposal, nor is it without precedent, the Scottish statutory inquiry already has the power to compel evidence under oath.

“It is a basic mechanism that helps reinforce public trust in the process and it ensures the seriousness of the testimony, particularly when addressing issues of such weight.”

The Tory rejected concerns requiring evidence under oath could deter witnesses, saying the power was only intended to be used for public officials, ministers and ex-ministers.

“Without it, we risk undermining the credibility of the committee’s findings and confidence of those people seeking the truth,” he said.

Mr Evans accused Labour of political interference and failing to equip the committee with the necessary tools, asking: “Why deny the committee the tools? What is there to hide?”

He promised the Conservatives would establish a “truly independent” Wales-specific public inquiry if the party was to form the next Welsh Government following the May 2026 election.

Similarly, backing a Wales-specific inquiry, Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor said Senedd Members have a moral duty to learn the lessons from the pandemic to save lives in future.

Mr ap Gwynfor told the Senedd: “Without accurate, factual evidence – it’s impossible to learn the right lessons and, more importantly, there is a risk of learning the wrong lessons.”

He insisted: “Witnesses must swear an oath … to ensure we stick to our moral agreement with the people of Wales: to find the truth … the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

He suggested the members of the Covid committee voted four-two in favour of requiring oaths before the request was blocked by the business committee.

Sam Rowlands, a former Tory member of the Covid committee, said: “It’s clear that Labour politicians … are stopping the proper work of scrutiny that the people of Wales expect.”

Mr Rowlands emphasised that Wales had the highest Covid-19 death rate in the UK, so families deserve a full and thorough investigation into decisions taken in Cardiff Bay.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan questioned why the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru campaign group has had to fight so hard for answers.

The Conservatives’ Altaf Hussain, a former surgeon, described the Covid committee, of which he was a former member, as akin to using a sticking plaster to treat a bullet wound.

Jane Hutt, who used her weighted majority to block the request in the business committee, claimed the Welsh Government remains committed to learning lessons from the pandemic.

She reiterated that the judge-led UK inquiry is the “only way” to answer questions about the interconnected nature of the complex response to the pandemic.

Jane Hutt, secretary for social justice, trefnydd and chief whip

Ms Hutt argued requiring witnesses to give evidence under formal oath or affirmation was “clearly unacceptable and inappropriate”.

Senedd Members will debate a motion on the Covid committee’s report on gaps in the UK inquiry on April 2 before beginning to take evidence following the Easter recess.

Health

RCN Wales appoints Nicola Williams as Executive Director

Published

1 day 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.