Call for politicians to treat financial wellbeing as a public health priority ahead of Senedd election

WALES cannot fix its growing health crisis without confronting the financial pressures facing households, a senior public policy figure has warned.

Fran Targett, a Bevan Commissioner and chair of the Welsh Government’s National Advice Network, says economic insecurity is driving poor physical and mental health outcomes across communities — and that the NHS will remain under strain unless the root causes are tackled.

She argues that financial wellbeing must be recognised as a core determinant of health, not simply a social issue.

“Health matters, and Wales cannot fix its long-term health challenges without confronting the economic realities that shape people’s daily lives,” she said.

Her intervention comes as health services across Wales continue to face waiting list backlogs, emergency care pressures and widening inequality in outcomes between communities.

Money worries damaging health

Targett said financial wellbeing — the ability to pay bills, cope with unexpected costs and feel secure about the future — directly affects both life expectancy and quality of life.

People struggling to afford essentials such as food, heating, rent and transport are more likely to experience chronic illness, mental distress and premature death, she warned.

Cold homes worsen respiratory conditions, while financial stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviours including smoking, alcohol misuse and gambling.

“Unless we address the financial insecurity that underpins so many of these issues, we will be treating symptoms, not causes,” she said.

She also highlighted stark inequalities affecting vulnerable groups, including social renters, lone parents, disabled people and those with long-term conditions.

Political action needed

Targett said Wales already has policy frameworks that recognise prevention and fairness, but warned that stronger political leadership is now required.

She called for closer alignment between health policy, housing, employment and financial support systems, arguing that improving financial resilience would reduce pressure on NHS services over time.

“As Wales approaches the Senedd elections, we have a choice — continue firefighting the consequences of poor financial wellbeing or finally confront the root causes,” she said.

She acknowledged that tackling health inequality may require difficult financial decisions, including increased investment, but said the long-term benefits would include healthier communities and a more sustainable health service.

Long-term benefits

Targett said building financial confidence and stability through education, workplaces and community support could lead to lower stress, stronger participation in society and better health outcomes.

“When people feel secure with their money, they are happier, participate more in their communities and are better able to make healthy choices,” she said.

Her comments add to growing debate about how Wales should tackle health inequality ahead of the 2026 Senedd election campaign, with increasing focus on prevention and the social causes of illness.

Campaigners warn patient safety at risk as pressure grows on Welsh Government

A PETITION calling for urgent Welsh Government intervention into services at Withybush Hospital has attracted almost 5,000 signatures, highlighting growing concern across Pembrokeshire about the future of local healthcare.

The petition, titled “Urgent Pembrokeshire Healthcare & Resident Safety – Withybush Hospital & Health Board Intervention,” demands immediate action to oversee Hywel Dda University Health Board and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

It has so far gathered 4,875 signatures and remains open until August 23, 2026.

If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in the Senedd. Under Welsh Parliament rules, petitions with more than 250 signatures are automatically discussed by the Petitions Committee once the signature-gathering period ends.

The petition was created by Ajay Owen, who argues that current healthcare pressures are placing unacceptable strain on communities across Pembrokeshire.

The petition states: “We demand immediate government intervention to oversee the Health Board at Withybush Hospital and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents. The residents, GP’s, Ambulance Services & Voluntary Sectors do not need the strain or anxiety the health board is causing locally.”

The campaign comes amid ongoing controversy over proposed service changes affecting hospitals in west Wales, including concerns about the future configuration of emergency and specialist care.

Local politicians have already voiced alarm over potential impacts on patient safety, travel times, and ambulance pressures if services are moved further from Pembrokeshire.

The Herald understands that concerns about rural access to emergency treatment have been raised repeatedly in recent months, particularly in relation to time-critical conditions such as stroke and major trauma.

Health boards across Wales continue to face significant workforce shortages, financial pressures, and recruitment challenges, which have contributed to difficult decisions about service configuration.

A spokesperson for Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said any proposed changes are aimed at improving patient safety and ensuring services are clinically sustainable in the long term.

Campaigners, however, argue that removing services from Withybush risks undermining confidence in local healthcare provision and increasing inequalities for rural communities.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so via the Senedd petitions website.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has called on health boards to improve access to eating disorder treatment and strengthen early intervention services as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said earlier support can have a “significant positive impact” on people living with eating disorders, as she outlined progress made across Wales and future plans to improve services.

The update comes as part of the Welsh Government’s wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, launched last year, which focuses on prevention, earlier intervention and tackling the wider causes of poor mental health.

The Minister said eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, requiring a cross-government approach to prevention and treatment.

Schools also play an important role, with Welsh Government guidance highlighting the need for supportive environments and targeted help for pupils experiencing disordered eating or poor body image. Public Health Wales data shows that as of February 2026, 96% of schools — including all secondary schools — are actively planning to meet wellbeing needs.

The Welsh Government has also promoted its “Seek Help Now” campaign, which highlights that more than 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, yet only around one-third seek formal help. Campaign materials have been shared with healthcare providers, schools and third-sector organisations to encourage earlier support.

Healthcare staff training has also been expanded, with a new foundation-level e-learning course developed by Health Education and Improvement Wales to help professionals identify and respond to eating disorders more effectively.

Ministers say investment has continued in early support services, including more than £110,000 in funding for the BEAT Wales helpline in 2025, helping people access advice while waiting for specialist care.

Across Wales, health boards have expanded services, supported by more than £2 million in funding through NHS performance improvement programmes aimed at improving access, quality and outcomes.

Work is also underway to develop a national early intervention service model based on the FREED approach (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders), with flexibility for local needs.

While most patients are treated in the community, the Welsh Government confirmed that eight specialist adult inpatient beds were secured in Wales in 2024 to allow more people to receive care closer to home.

The NHS Joint Commissioning Committee is now exploring options for intensive day treatment services, with modelling work expected to report in the spring.

A research and evidence network has also been established to improve outcomes and ensure services are based on the latest evidence.

Sarah Murphy said she has written to all health boards urging continued leadership focus to reduce waiting times and implement early intervention services once national specifications are finalised.

All health boards have confirmed their commitment to the programme.