Health

Future hospital proposal raised as debate continues over west Wales services

Published

22 seconds ago

March 7, 2026

A MAJOR new hospital development in West Wales has been put forward as part of Welsh Labour’s proposed £4 billion “Hospitals for the Future Fund”, with Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales Eluned Morgan saying the region deserves “safe, sustainable hospital care for the future”.

Speaking at Welsh Labour’s campaign launch on Monday, Morgan said that if the party is returned to power at the Senedd election in May, the fund would be used to modernise ageing NHS buildings across Wales over the next decade, with West Wales expected to form a key part of those plans.

The announcement comes amid strong public concern about the future of services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. A petition calling for certainty over local hospital provision has attracted thousands of signatures, reflecting widespread anxiety about potential changes to healthcare services in Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas.

Morgan acknowledged the strength of feeling locally, saying she understood why many residents were worried.

“I know how much Withybush means to people. I’ve had the conversations. I’ve looked people in the eye who are worried about what the future holds for their local hospital,” she said.

“And I want to be honest with people – this isn’t simple. If it was, it would have been solved years ago.”

She said the challenges facing hospital services in West Wales go beyond the condition of existing buildings and include difficulties recruiting and retaining enough specialist staff to ensure safe care.

“Buildings matter. But what really matters is whether you can staff services safely,” Morgan said.

“Patient safety and timely care must always come first – not politics, not headlines. No other party has offered any realistic alternative which is deliverable, which is why I hope people in West Wales will endorse this new hospital.”

Morgan said she would like Hywel Dda University Health Board to revisit options for a realistic hospital proposal in light of the new funding commitment.

“In light of this new commitment, I would like the health board to look again at a realistic hospital proposal that delivers safe, sustainable services for the future,” she said.

“For too long, people in West Wales have heard talk of a new hospital without seeing it become reality. Plans were drawn up in the past, but after years of Tory cuts, especially to the capital budget, the funding simply wasn’t there to deliver them. That’s the truth.”

She argued that the situation may now have changed following the election of a UK Labour government.

“Today, we are in a different place. After 14 years of austerity, we are now working with a UK Labour Government that understands Wales and is prepared to invest in our public services,” she said.

“Real investment is now possible if Welsh Labour leads the next Welsh Government. This is about securing the future – modern facilities, safer care and services designed around patients and staff.”

Morgan also warned against relying solely on older hospital buildings if staffing levels cannot be maintained safely.

“What I won’t do is pretend that patching up buildings from another era is a long-term solution if we can’t staff them safely,” she said.

The proposed Hospitals for the Future Fund would form a central part of Welsh Labour’s long-term NHS strategy, aiming to combine infrastructure investment with workforce planning and clinical safety.

However, debate over the future of hospital services in West Wales is likely to continue. Campaigners in Pembrokeshire have repeatedly called for key services to remain at Withybush Hospital, arguing that long travel times to other hospitals could pose risks for patients in rural communities.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously explored options for reorganising services across the region, including proposals for a new hospital to serve multiple counties. No final decision has yet been taken.

With the Senedd election approaching, the future of hospital provision in West Wales is expected to remain a major political issue.

Health

Withybush Hospital ‘number one concern’ at Tesco pop-up surgery, says Kurtz

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS raised concerns about the future of services at Withybush Hospital during a pop-up advice surgery held by local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz at Tesco in Pembroke Dock on Thursday (Mar 6).

The informal drop-in session gave shoppers and local residents the opportunity to speak directly with the Conservative MS about issues affecting the community, seek guidance, and raise personal concerns.

Several people stopped by throughout the day to discuss healthcare provision, local banking services, and other matters affecting the area.

According to Mr Kurtz, the future of services at Withybush Hospital dominated the conversations.

Speaking after the event, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “These drop-in surgeries are vital for ensuring open communication and staying connected to the day-to-day experiences of local people.

“The latest set of service changes at Withybush Hospital were the number one topic of conversation today. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is concerned, and people want to see action.”

Residents also raised questions about efforts to secure a banking hub for Pembroke Dock following the closure of several high street bank branches.

Mr Kurtz added: “Events like this are an important reminder that many issues affecting our community, from access to healthcare at Withybush to banking services, have a real impact on people’s daily lives.

“It is important that residents have the opportunity to raise their concerns directly and know that someone is listening.”

The MS thanked residents who took the time to stop and speak with him during the session.

“I am always grateful to everyone who comes over for a chat, whether it is to raise a concern, ask for help, or simply to share their views. These conversations help shape the work I do on behalf of our community.”

Charity

Free London Marathon spaces offered by NHS charity

Published

2 days ago

March 5, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Hywel Dda Health Charities is delighted to announce that it has secured three free charity places for supporters wishing to take part in the TCS London Marathon MyWay 2026 – the virtual version of the world‑famous marathon.

Taking place on Sunday, April 26, the TCS London Marathon MyWay gives participants the freedom to complete the iconic 26.2‑mile distance from any location. Whether running, jogging or walking, entrants have 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to finish the challenge. The event must be completed outdoors, but participants can choose any route that suits them.

The virtual marathon is the perfect option for anyone who has always dreamed of taking part in the London Marathon but would prefer a more flexible timeframe, the chance to complete the distance at their own pace and the ability to take part without travelling to London.

Participants will receive a finisher’s T-shirt and medal (optional), a free trial with Coopah, the official training app of the TCS London Marathon and access to the official event tracking app.

In return for one of the limited free places, Hywel Dda Health Charities asks supporters to raise a minimum of £300 in aid of a Hywel Dda service of their choice.

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager for Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We’re so excited to offer these special MyWay places to our supporters. The virtual marathon is a fantastic opportunity for people of all abilities to take on an iconic challenge in a way that works best for them.

“Every pound raised will make a meaningful difference to patients and staff across our local NHS services. We can’t wait to cheer on our amazing fundraisers as they take on the 26.2 miles their own way.”

Places will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. To request a place or find out more, please contact the Hywel Dda Health Charities team via email at [email protected] or by phone on 01267 239815.

Charity

Pembrokeshire farmer warms up for Rome Marathon in fund-raising bid for Parkinson’s UK

Published

2 days ago

March 5, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A retired Pembrokeshire farmer is lacing up his trainers for one of the world’s most iconic marathons, inspired by his family and driven by a cause close to his heart.

On March 22, Steve Ford, 68, will take on the Rome Marathon when he will be running alongside his daughter and son-in-law in what has become a remarkable family endeavour.

Since beginning his training in May 2025, Steve has clocked an extraordinary amount of miles for a first-time marathon runner. He has covered a staggering 726 miles and has logged no fewer than 130 hours of running. This includes 34,524 feet of elevation which is more than the height of Mount Everest.

Now, with less than three weeks to go, Steve has just completed one of his longest training runs to date.

He is running in aid of Parkinson’s UK, which is a cause close to his family’s heart, having been personally touched by the condition. To date, he has raised over £4,100, and his family are immensely proud of everything he has achieved.

Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition affecting more than 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms, ranging from tremor and pain to anxiety and depression, and no cure, the need for research and support has never been greater. Someone in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes, and by 2050, the number of people living with Parkinson’s worldwide is expected to double to 25 million. Parkinson’s UK funds vital research into new treatments and provides life-changing support services for those affected.

To support Steve and donate to Parkinson’s UK, visit: https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/stephenford/overseas-runs-2026