ONE in seven patients waited more than twelve hours as doctors warn system is beyond breaking point

Emergency departments across Wales experienced their worst November on record for four-, eight- and twelve-hour waiting times, according to new figures released by the Welsh Government.

Data published on Thursday (Dec 18) show that 10,107 patients — around one in seven people attending major emergency departments — waited twelve hours or more in November 2025 to be admitted, discharged or transferred.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) said the figures underline a deepening crisis in hospital care, warning that extreme delays are placing vulnerable patients at serious risk of harm.

The statistics also reveal a sharp deterioration compared with previous years. The number of patients waiting more than four hours has almost doubled since November 2018, while those waiting eight hours or more have more than doubled. Twelve-hour waits have doubled again over the same period.

Doctors say the figures reflect pressures already evident before winter took hold — and warn conditions have worsened further in recent weeks.

RCEM vice president for Wales, Dr Rob Perry, said the latest data had set “yet another unwanted record”.

He said: “These figures reflect what we experienced on the brink of winter. Fast forward to today and the situation in our emergency departments has only deteriorated.

“As you read this, sick and vulnerable patients are on trolleys parked side by side to maximise space, both in emergency departments and in corridors, enduring these conditions for hours and hours.”

Dr Perry said delays are being driven by a lack of available hospital beds, with patients unable to move on to wards even when emergency clinicians have completed their assessments.

“And the wait will only continue for those needing further care on a ward, as staff search for an elusive bed,” he said.

The figures also show that 1,455 patients were stuck in hospital despite being medically fit for discharge. While this represents a slight improvement of 1.2% compared with November 2024, doctors say the number remains unacceptably high.

The RCEM said blocked hospital beds are a symptom of wider problems beyond emergency departments, particularly in social care.

Dr Perry added: “The solutions lie outside the walls of emergency departments. Social care must be a priority for investment next year, so patients who are well enough can leave hospital, freeing up beds for those who desperately need them.”

The warning comes weeks after the RCEM published its political manifesto ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections, calling on all parties to commit to ending overcrowding in emergency departments, improving staffing levels, investing in digital systems and increasing transparency around performance data.

Dr Perry said the past year had taken a heavy toll on staff working in emergency medicine.

“It’s been an incredibly tough year for those trying to care for patients in beyond challenging conditions,” he said. “But the worst is yet to come as we head deeper into winter.

“We will get through this, as we always do. And to our patients — we will continue to be there for you when you need us most.”

The Welsh Government has previously acknowledged ongoing pressures in emergency care and said work is continuing to improve patient flow through hospitals, including efforts to strengthen community and social care services.

Pembroke Hire Centre at busy Waterloo roundabout marketed with offers around £525,000, with lease option also available

A WELL-KNOWN commercial premises at one of Pembroke Dock’s busiest junctions has been placed on the market, with offers invited in the region of £525,000.

The Pembroke Hire Centre, located at the Waterloo roundabout, is being marketed by Guy Thomas & Co, who say the freehold opportunity offers a long-established business with a consistent trading history and strong local profile.

The site sits on a prominent roadside position used by thousands of vehicles every day, giving it high visibility and easy access. Estate agents say the business has remained stable over a number of years, operating with relatively low staffing requirements.

Trading is currently split between equipment hire, which accounts for around 60% of turnover, retail sales at approximately 35%, and repair work making up the remainder. The listing notes that at least one competitor in the area has ceased trading in recent times.

The purpose-built premises extend to more than 1,800 sq ft and include a customer-facing shop, offices, storage areas and a large workshop. The main shop features a full-width display window and front entrance, while additional areas include offices and stores, a substantial workshop, a garage with roller shutter access, staff facilities and multiple storage rooms.

Externally, the property benefits from a secure, concrete-surfaced yard with palisade fencing, a designated gas storage compound and customer parking to the front.

The building is served by mains utilities and is fitted with gas-fired central heating via a Worcester boiler, along with a security alarm and fibre broadband connection, although services have not been formally tested.

In addition to the property itself, the business stock is valued at approximately £225,000. This includes around £45,000 of new retail tools and an estimated £180,000 worth of hire equipment. A full stock valuation will be carried out at the point of sale.

The guide price of around £525,000 covers the freehold property, goodwill, trade fixtures and fittings, and stock. However, Guy Thomas & Co also indicate that a leasehold option may be available.

Under this alternative arrangement, the premises could be offered on a ten-year full repairing and insuring lease at an initial rent of £20,000 per year, with offers around £350,000 sought for the business, goodwill and stock. An option to purchase the freehold would also be included.

A schedule of adjusted trading accounts can be made available to financial advisers acting for genuinely interested parties, subject to an initial viewing of the premises.

Further details and viewing arrangements are available through Guy Thomas & Co.

A WOMAN was arrested in Haverfordwest after police found thousands of pounds in cash and a large quantity of cannabis concealed in a safe under her bed.

Samantha Whelton, aged 39, was stopped by officers on October 25 while carrying a Tesco carrier bag containing £3,000 in cash. The money, made up of £10 and £20 notes, was discovered during her arrest in the town.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court Whelton claimed the cash was savings she intended to use to buy a car.

Following her arrest, Dyfed-Powys Police searched Whelton’s home on Heol Derwen, Merlin’s Bridge. During the search, officers discovered a “bag for life” underneath her bed containing a safe which smelled strongly of cannabis.

Inside the safe were 688 grams of cannabis, with an estimated street value of up to £4,200. Police also seized four mobile phones and four tablet devices from the property.

During interview, Whelton maintained the cash had come from benefits savings and gambling winnings. She denied ownership of the safe and suggested someone else must have placed it in her home, claiming she had left her back door unlocked.

Whelton later pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A separate charge of possession of criminal property was not pursued by the prosecution.

The court heard Whelton has four previous convictions for six offences. In June last year, she received a suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply cocaine and obstructing police.

Defence solicitor Emily Bennett said Whelton’s early guilty plea should be treated as significant mitigation.

“She has taken responsibility for her actions and deeply regrets what she has done,” she told the court. “This defendant struggles with substance misuse.”

Ms Bennett also said Whelton is the primary carer for her teenage child and highlighted the impact of imprisonment, noting that any custodial sentence would mean serving time a considerable distance from home due to the lack of women’s prisons in Wales.

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced Whelton to 12 months, and activated 10 months her suspended sentence to run consecutively.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be heard in April 2026.