WALES is living sicker for longer, the Chief Medical Officer has warned, as new figures show a worrying drop in the number of years people can expect to live in good health – with women hit hardest.

The findings, published today in Dr Joanne Absolom’s first annual report since taking over from Sir Frank Atherton, have prompted immediate calls for the next Welsh Government to overhaul its approach to public health after the 2026 Senedd election.

Dr Absolom says Wales must now move decisively away from a system that largely treats illness towards one that prevents people becoming ill in the first place. Her report warns that healthy life expectancy is falling across the country and highlights widening inequalities between communities.

Responding to the findings, Darren Hughes, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said the message could not be clearer.

“NHS leaders in Wales welcome the report’s call for a prevention-first approach,” he said. “We have to move from simply treating illness to actively promoting wellbeing, and that means a proper cross-government strategy that tackles inequality and gives people the support to take control of their own health.”

He added that every pound spent on proven public health programmes delivers an average return of £14 – evidence, he said, that prevention “makes moral and financial sense” at a time when NHS budgets are under extreme pressure.

“It is deeply concerning to see healthy life expectancy falling, particularly for women,” he said. “Investment in prevention is vital if we are to make our health and care services sustainable.”

While health boards, councils and community groups are already working on preventative programmes, the Welsh NHS Confederation says Wales needs far greater ambition – and the NHS must be given the tools and flexibility to scale up what works.

The Chief Medical Officer’s report also raises serious concerns about NHS workforce shortages and urges significant investment in digital technology to improve productivity and patient outcomes.

Mr Hughes said all political parties should “take heed” as they prepare their manifestos for next year’s Senedd election.

“Those seeking to form the next Welsh Government have a clear blueprint here. We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results. Prevention, workforce and digital transformation have to be top priorities.”

The Welsh NHS Confederation — which represents all seven health boards, the three NHS trusts, HEIW and Digital Health and Care Wales — has already outlined its detailed priorities in its own election document, Building the health and wellbeing of the nation.

With the Senedd election just over a year away, today’s report adds fresh, authoritative evidence that Wales needs a radical shift in how it approaches health if it is to secure a healthier future for all.

Coroner to contact highways officials about junction layout following inquests

TWO people died after a car entered the A48 near Cross Hands in the wrong direction and continued for nearly half a kilometre before striking another vehicle head-on, an inquest has heard.

The crash happened shortly after midday on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, on the eastbound side of the dual carriageway between Pont Abraham and Cross Hands. Four vehicles were ultimately damaged.

Toyota travelled against oncoming traffic for 452 metres

The hearings, which took place on Wednesday (December 3) at Llanelli Town Hall, examined the deaths of John Howell Price, aged 90, and Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old solicitor.

Evidence from Dyfed-Powys Police showed that Mr Price had driven a Toyota out of a small access road serving a Welsh Water site. Instead of turning left, as the signage directs, his vehicle turned right into lane two of the A48 and began travelling westbound against fast-moving traffic.

Forensic investigator David Stacey told the court that the Toyota continued in the wrong direction for approximately 452 metres before colliding with Mrs Thornton-Sandy’s Ford. The impact caused both cars to become airborne and resulted in secondary impacts with a Renault and a BMW.

Mr Price died at the scene. Mrs Thornton-Sandy was taken to the University Hospital of Wales but succumbed to her injuries six days later, on November 11. Her dog, Scout, who was travelling with her, also died.

Road conditions not a factor

Mr Stacey said the carriageway was dry, visibility was good and the surface was in proper condition. There were no signs of emergency braking by either driver.

He confirmed that both cars’ speedometers froze on collision — the Toyota at 43mph and the Ford at 62mph — and that there was no evidence of alcohol, drugs or mobile-phone use by either party.

Dashcam and CCTV recordings examined by officers captured the Toyota making the unlawful turn and heading straight into oncoming traffic.

Medical checks explored

The inquest heard that Mr Price had been seen by a medic two days before the crash following an episode of syncope. The court was told that the incident did not result in any driving restriction, and subsequent checks — including after a 2023 police referral to the DVLA about his eyesight — did not deem him medically unfit to drive.

Mr Stacey said Mrs Thornton-Sandy had virtually “no time” to react when the wrong-way vehicle appeared in her lane.

Cause of death and coroner’s findings

Pathologists concluded that Mr Price died from multiple injuries sustained in the collision. Mrs Thornton-Sandy died from traumatic brain injury and tension pneumothorax.

Coroner Paul Bennett ruled both deaths were the result of road traffic collisions. He said it was not possible to determine why Mr Price made the manoeuvre.

He noted that three people received organ donations as a result of Mrs Thornton-Sandy’s death.

Junction safety to be reviewed

Mr Bennett said he would write to the South Wales Trunk Road Agency and Carmarthenshire Council regarding the junction design, and referred to upcoming changes in driving-licence renewal rules for motorists over 70.

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.