Health

Dental crisis deepens as MP reveals survey shock — Welsh Govt eyes sweeping changes

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2025

Patients in Pembrokeshire left stranded without NHS dentists as new centralised ‘portal’ plan sparks concern

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist.

Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system.

Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were “shocking” and pointed to a system “failing to meet the needs” of Pembrokeshire residents.

Survey findings at a glance:

88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist

60% tried to register but were told no places were available

Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all

Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment

Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays

In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son’s treatment.

Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform.

“Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,” Mr Tufnell said. “Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn’t working.”

Centralised ‘Dental Portal’ proposed

The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry.

The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist.

Under the new model:

Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment

Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months

Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist

Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15)

Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. “When people need to see a dentist, they’ll be able to access one — that’s the critical thing,” he said.

BDA and dentists voice serious concerns

But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry.

Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: “There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won’t be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.”

Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition.

Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: “This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.”

Voices from the public

Local voices speak out: ‘A total mess’

As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it.

Years without care, soaring bills

Emma Roach shared her struggle: “I haven’t seen a dentist in seven years… I’ve got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can’t afford even the check-up. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it’s a mess. I’m a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn’t get free NHS dental care.”

MelJane Bainee added: “My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we’ve been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we’re not getting any help.”

Others reported resorting to private schemes. “Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,” wrote Abigail Louise Evans.

Fury over government priorities

Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: “I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.”

Another comment read: “On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers’ money to Starmer, we’re here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!”

Warnings over Welsh Government’s reforms

Kirsty Fisher didn’t hold back: “The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They’re driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it’s government policy doing this.”

Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: “Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.”

Mary Dempsey added: “If you’re an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won’t do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.”

Mixed views on Henry Tufnell’s efforts

While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact.

“Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?” asked Ian Sturley.

Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: “While I appreciate Henry’s efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn’t appear overnight.”

Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: “Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?”

Others were more sceptical of all political parties.

Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: “Reform aren’t going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.”

MP calls for local solution

Henry Tufnell told The Herald: “This isn’t just about waiting lists or contracts — it’s about people’s lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.”

The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.

Health

Welsh Government refuses to halt Withybush and Bronglais service review

Published

1 hour ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health Minister tells Paul Davies MS that decisions remain a matter for Hywel Dda University Health Board

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has declined to intervene in controversial plans affecting services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals, prompting fresh criticism from local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

In a letter dated June 19, Health and Care Cabinet Secretary Mabon ap Gwynfor said responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services rests with local health boards and confirmed that Hywel Dda University Health Board should continue its consultation process on proposed service changes.

The response follows concerns raised by Mr Davies on behalf of constituents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion over the future configuration of clinical services, including stroke care.

While acknowledging strong public concern about access to healthcare in rural communities, the Minister stopped short of offering any commitment to block or reverse the Health Board’s proposals.

Instead, he stressed that any changes must be supported by robust evidence, maintain patient safety and demonstrate improved outcomes.

The Minister wrote: “Responsibility for planning and delivering health services rests with local health boards, including decisions about how services are organised.”

He added that proposals must improve outcomes for patients, maintain safe and equitable access to care and be supported by thorough impact assessments.

Paul Davies MS described the response as disappointing.

Posting the letter on social media, he said: “This letter tells me that the Welsh Government is not going to stand in the way of the Health Board’s plans.”

He added that he would raise the issue in the Senedd chamber next week and continue pressing ministers to intervene.

The exchange comes as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues a public consultation on proposed changes to stroke services across west Wales.

The consultation, which opened on May 28, is due to run until July 26.

In his response, the Minister stated that anyone suffering a stroke should receive treatment “as quickly as possible in the most appropriate setting” and said the current model of stroke care in Wales must evolve if national standards are to be achieved.

The comments are likely to fuel concern among campaigners opposed to the proposed changes, who fear services could become increasingly centralised and further away from rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.

Health

Woman jailed assaults on police, harassment and XL Bully possession

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CARMARTHEN woman has been jailed after admitting a lengthy catalogue of offences including assaults on police officers, harassment, breaching a Community Protection Notice, shop theft, possession of an XL Bully dog and assaulting a paramedic.

Tilly Rees, 25, of Llys Caermedi, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18).

The court heard that Rees admitted multiple breaches of a Community Protection Notice issued in 2025, including incidents in which she shouted abuse in public, caused distress to residents and repeatedly targeted individuals named in court proceedings.

Harassment campaign

Among the offences was a harassment charge relating to a course of conduct against a Carmarthen man between March and May this year.

Prosecutors said Rees approached him on multiple occasions, shouted abuse, called him a paedophile and video-recorded him and his home.

She also admitted a series of Community Protection Notice breaches linked to the same behaviour.

Police assaults

The court heard that Rees assaulted a number of police officers during incidents in Llanelli on May 1 and May 5.

Several assault charges against serving police constables were taken into account by the court when sentence was passed.

A further charge of assaulting a paramedic at Dafen Police Station on June 12 was also admitted.

Shop theft and XL Bully

Rees also admitted stealing items including sanitary products, deodorant, skincare products and reading glasses from a Carmarthen pharmacy.

In a separate matter, she admitted possessing an XL Bully dog contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act. The court ordered the dog to be forfeited and destroyed after Rees relinquished her rights to it.

Restraining orders imposed

District Judge M Layton imposed a number of restraining orders preventing Rees from contacting named individuals or referring to them online.

The orders prohibit direct or indirect contact and restrict social media activity relating to those protected by the orders.

Jailed for 26 weeks

Magistrates concluded that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

Rees was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks’ imprisonment.

The court heard that some of the offences were committed while she was already subject to a suspended sentence, while others involved assaults on emergency workers carrying additional aggravating factors.