News

Welsh Government escalates intervention at two health boards

Published

10 months ago

July 15, 2025

SWANSEA BAY maternity services and Cardiff and Vale health board will be escalated to the second-highest level of government intervention, Wales’ health secretary confirmed.

Jeremy Miles announced Swansea’s services will be escalated to level four on the five-point oversight scale following a damning family-led review on maternity and neonatal services.

Mr Miles said the families’ distressing report and a review commissioned by the health board showed people were not listened to and services fell well below expected standards.

The health secretary apologised to families for their experiences, with some describing examples of severe birth trauma, which he said must never happen again.

He told the Senedd: “As a result of the issues raised today and the ongoing concerns from women and families about patient experience, staff attitudes and care provided, I am increasing the escalation level of Swansea Bay’s maternity and neonatal services.”

‘Never, ever again’

Mr Miles, who issued a written statement providing more detail of the response, said ministers have commissioned an assessment on all maternity and neonatal services.

The Conservatives’ James Evans said the deeply distressing reports detailed serious failings, poor communication, a breakdown in trust, and avoidable harm.

He warned far too many women were dismissed, traumatised or left grieving.

The Tory shadow health secretary told the Senedd: “It is disappointing it took a family-led review, driven by those 50 families, to force the level of transparency that we’re now seeing – that should never, ever have to happen again.”

His Plaid Cymru counterpart Mabon ap Gwynfor paid tribute to families for exposing gross failings and clinical negligence, “something no new parent should ever have to endure”.

‘Lagging’

He told the Senedd. “And yet in many cases here in Wales, childbirth continues to present unacceptable risks – across a range of metrics, Wales is lagging badly.”

Mr ap Gwynfor said Wales has had the highest stillbirths rate in the UK since 2014, with neonatal mortality rates rising while falling in Scotland and England from 2010 to 2022.

He expressed concerns about pressures on workforce capacity, pointing to a 35% decrease in applications for midwifery courses in Wales since 2021.

Mr ap Gwynfor added: “The fact the family support group felt like they had no option but to undertake their own inquiry… speaks to serious issues with institutional accountability.”

Mr Miles assured Senedd members the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring the contents of the reports inform improvement in maternity units across the country.

‘Worrying’

But Tom Giffard quoted families as saying: “Tomorrow the health minister will stand up in the Senedd and address the situation. He has only one option: remove control of the maternity service from the failed leadership of Swansea university health board.”

Asked why he had not done so by the Conservative, Mr Miles told the Senedd: “I don’t think that is the right way of making sure the service is strengthened.”

Giving a wider update on intervention arrangements on July 15, Mr Miles announced Cardiff and Vale health board would also move to level four due to an increasing financial deficit, breaching its duty to provide a three-year balanced budget.

He said: “It has the second largest number of people waiting more than two years for treatment and there have been a series of worrying cultural and leadership challenges which are indicative of an organisation which needs additional support.”

Mr Evans warned of a high-number of “never events” at the health board this year, “causing unnecessary harm and sometimes death”.

“We need to make sure that’s rooted out,” he said.

‘Signs of progress’

Mr Miles said Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board has been de-escalated from level three to routine level-one arrangements for finance, strategy and planning.

The Labour politician told the Senedd that the Aneurin Bevan health board has been de-escalated from level four to level three – also for finance, strategy and planning.

Mr Miles said Hywel Dda has been de-escalated from level four to level three for cancer services, and from three to one for children’s mental health.

He confirmed Betsi Cadwaladr will remain at level five or special measures as it has for most of the past decade but said there have been signs of progress. Mr Miles brought in changes to allow health boards to be partially de-escalated from special measures in future.

He said Powys would remain at level four for finance, strategy and planning.

Community

Firefighter experience days planned in Haverfordwest and Newtown

Published

58 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hands-on sessions will give potential recruits a taste of life in the fire service

PEOPLE interested in becoming firefighters are being invited to take part in special Firefighter Experience Days being held by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service this June.

The events will take place at Haverfordwest Fire Station on Wednesday, June 3, and at Newtown Fire Station on Friday, June 5. Both sessions will run from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which covers almost two-thirds of Wales, says the days are designed to give people a practical introduction to life in the fire service in a relaxed and informal setting.

Around 75 per cent of the service’s fire stations are crewed entirely by on-call firefighters, who play a vital role in protecting communities across the region.

Visitors attending the experience days will have the opportunity to try on firefighting kit, learn how equipment is assembled, and take part in practical exercises alongside serving crews.

Firefighters from both stations will also be on hand to explain the realities of the role, answer questions, and offer guidance on the recruitment process.

Topics covered during the sessions will include the modern role of a firefighter, fitness requirements, personal protective equipment, career pathways within the service, and what applicants can expect during recruitment.

Booking is essential for anyone wishing to attend.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Lily Evans, Digital Marketing Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, by emailing [email protected].

News

Local Windsurf instructors ride the waves with Welsh Sailing Impact awards

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Local windsurfers who support the Windswept Watersports are riding the waves this month after being presented with their Welsh Sailing Impact Awards.

Volunteer instructors David Picker, Bob Jones, Leslie Burton and Graham Smith

have all been recognised for their commitment to encouraging the next

generation of windsurfers at the community watersports centre in Dale.

The dedicated team has played an essential role in supporting the Windswept

Warriors youth windsurfing club since its launch more than four years ago.

Sarah Bagley, Director of Windswept Watersports, said: “A huge congratulations go to

our windsurf volunteers on being chosen for Impact Awards – Bob, Leslie, Graham

and Dave have supported us so much by making our Windsurf Warrior sessions

happen every week, and they couldn’t deserve this more.

“They have made a huge impact in making the club what it is today and we’re able

to grow the club’s numbers and keep the costs down due to them giving up their

Sundays. Since the club started they’ve been so enthusiastic about inspiring

the next generation of windsurfers and their passion for the sport really is

Infectious.

“What’s more, the club has gone on to win medals at windsurfing national

championships and none of this would have happened without our superstar

volunteers.”

Windswept Watersports is a Not-For-Profit organisation which aims to make

activities accessible for all, including delivering outreach sessions to local schools,

youth and community groups, and running a variety of clubs encouraging local

people to enjoy getting on the water.

The Windswept Warriors group enables young people aged 10-19 to learn the

sport and take their skills to the next level, with Sunday morning sessions for just

£10 a go, including all equipment and tuition thanks to its volunteer instructors.

Impact Awardee Leslie said: “I didn’t start windsurfing until my late 30s so I really

love helping the juniors to progress. It’s great to see their confidence grow by just

having fun on, and in, the water. We just love sharing our sport with youngsters

and seeing the enjoyment they get from it, whether that’s improving and

progressing their skills or just having a go occasionally.”

Explaining their enthusiasm for giving back to the sport, fellow Impact Awardee

Graham said: “I’ve had some fantastic times and I’ve met some amazing people while

windsurfing and by volunteering I get the opportunity to give those chances to

others. I also love it when I see people progress and what it means to them.”

Award-winning team members Bob and Dave likewise sum up the satisfaction

and rewards of seeing young windsurfers progress from beginner to intermediate

to themselves becoming instructors.

Bob said: “I love coaching the junior club, seeing their progression week by week, especially those big ‘Hallelujah, I did it’ moments. I’m super proud to be a colleague of Windswept’s young instructors who were part of the junior crew not so far back.”

Welsh Sailing Impact Awards are presented by RYA Cymru Wales to recognise the

hard work of individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to support

activities afloat, in line with the governing body’s Together on our Waters strategy

to create a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.

Hester Walker, Club Development Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “This team

commit a huge amount of time to supporting the youth windsurfers at Windswept

Watersports. Their time allows for the training to be offered at a lower rate, helping

to remove the barrier of cost and enabling more young people to get on the

water. Dale has become one of the most active windsurfing communities thanks

to Windswept Watersports and the fantastic support of these volunteers.”

News

Plaid tells Carmarthenshire voters: ‘Only we can stop Reform’

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLAID CYMRU has urged voters in Sir Gaerfyrddin to back the party on Thursday, claiming it is the only party able to beat Reform UK in the new constituency.

The appeal comes after the latest ITV Cymru Wales, YouGov and Wales Governance Centre MRP poll suggested Plaid Cymru is on course to become the largest party in the Senedd, with Reform close behind. The poll put Plaid on 33% across Wales and Reform on 29%. (YouGov)

Sir Gaerfyrddin is one of the new Senedd constituencies being used for the first time in this election. It has been created from the Carmarthen and Llanelli Westminster seats and will elect six Members of the Senedd under the new closed-list system.

Plaid Cymru’s list in Sir Gaerfyrddin is led by Cefin Campbell, followed by Nerys Evans, Adam Price and Mari Arthur. (Who Can I Vote For?)

The party says the contest locally is now between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, and has called on voters who want to stop Nigel Farage’s party from gaining ground in Carmarthenshire to “lend” Plaid their vote.

Nerys Evans said Plaid was offering “new leadership” and a “positive vision” for Wales, including childcare support, a National Development Agency to grow the economy, and a new numeracy and literacy scheme for children.

She said: “As the voters of Sir Gaerfyrddin head to the polls on Thursday, the choice could not be more stark.

“Only two parties can win here: Plaid Cymru, who offer new leadership, a positive vision, and which will be accountable only to the people of Wales; or Reform, which would divide our communities, threaten the future of our NHS, cut support for our culture and language and is controlled by Nigel Farage, billionaires, and ex-Tories in London.

“Support for Labour has disappeared in Carmarthenshire, with people unwilling to vote for a party that has let Wales down for over 27 years and in Westminster since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

“There is no evidence that the Greens or the Liberal Democrats will secure enough votes to come close to winning a seat.

“We ask anyone who wants to prevent a victory for Reform in Carmarthenshire to lend their vote to Plaid Cymru on Thursday.”

The Senedd election takes place on Thursday (May 7).