THE WELSH NHS has recorded the highest level of public dissatisfaction across the United Kingdom, according to the 2024 British Social Attitudes survey conducted by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust.

The survey found that 72% of people in Wales are dissatisfied with the performance of the NHS, compared with 59% in England and 60% in Scotland. Researchers noted that the gap between Wales and other nations is statistically significant and reflects growing concern about healthcare delivery in the country.

The Nuffield Trust, in its analysis of the figures, highlighted a series of factors that may be contributing to public discontent in Wales. These include record-breaking NHS waiting times, persistent underperformance on key targets, and recent political instability – most notably the resignation of First Minister Vaughan Gething after just four months in office.

Healthcare in Wales is devolved and the responsibility of the Welsh Government. Performance indicators such as ambulance response times, emergency department waits, and treatment backlogs have consistently shown Wales trailing behind England and Scotland in recent years.

Reacting to the figures, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, James Evans MS, said: “After years of failure, Labour has driven satisfaction with our health service into the ground.

People in Wales are clearly and rightly fed up to the back teeth with Labour’s atrocious mismanagement of the Welsh NHS, with nearly three-quarters now dissatisfied.

The Welsh Conservatives have a plan to fix the Welsh NHS and improve outcomes, with a focus on easing restrictions to encourage cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in the short term, and a new and substantial workforce plan to boost staff numbers in the long term.”

The Welsh Government has yet to respond to the latest survey results, but ministers have previously argued that chronic underfunding from Westminster and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to place immense pressure on NHS Wales.

Health analysts suggest that while public concern is rising across the UK, the scale of dissatisfaction in Wales signals a need for urgent reform and renewed focus on delivery.

PARENTS and guardians across Pembrokeshire are being urged to take part in a statutory consultation on major infrastructure changes planned for Newgale.

The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project: Phase 1 Proposals are currently out for public consultation from April 14 to May 11 2025, and the project team is especially keen to engage with families in the local school community to raise awareness of the long-term changes being proposed.

The Herald understands that AtkinsRéalis, the firm leading the project on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, has contacted schools across the area asking them to help distribute information to parents and carers.

The proposed works involve the construction of a new inland section of the A487, with a bridge over Brandy Brook, to replace the vulnerable coastal stretch of road currently running through Newgale. That section of road has suffered repeated flooding in recent years, and experts say it will become increasingly unsustainable due to sea-level rise and extreme weather linked to climate change.

Once the new inland road is in place, the existing coastal route would be permanently closed and removed.

In addition to the realignment of the A487, the plans include:

• The reclassification of Newgale Hill and Wood Hill, with adjustments to local traffic management;
• A short-term access road (in place for up to ten years) to serve beachfront commercial properties;
• Improved bus stop facilities and turning areas;
• The creation of a traffic-free Shared Use Path, which would replace a portion of the Wales Coast Path, helping to maintain pedestrian and cyclist access through the area.

The works are part of a wider strategy to manage coastal change in a sustainable way, while maintaining access and infrastructure for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Full details of the proposals, including maps, supporting documents, and environmental assessments, can be viewed online at:
https://newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk/#/Statutory_PAC

Those without internet access can view the documents at St Davids Library, City Hall, St Davids, SA62 6SD, during the following times:

• Tuesday: 10:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 5:00pm
• Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Anyone wishing to make representations about the proposals must do so in writing before 11th May 2025, either by email to Newgale@atkinsrealis.com, or by post to:
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team
AtkinsRéalis
Floor 4, West Glamorgan House
12 Orchard Street
Swansea
SA1 5AD

The Herald will continue to follow developments on this important project as they progress.

AN IDYLLIC former coastguard ‘s cottage in a tiny Pembrokeshire village could prove to be ideal for someone on the lookout for a coastal bolthole.

The cosy cottage, nestled at the heart of historic Bosherston, with its parish church dating from the 1200’s, is in the world-renowned Pembrokeshire National Park.

The village is close to the National Trust’s tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds, three flooded limestone valleys resplendent with the colour and heady scent of lilies in June and teeming with a multitude of wildlife all year round.

 The area near the village is renowned as a centre for intrepid rock climbing pursuits on challenging nearby sheer coastal crags.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the singular property, said: “The Haven is a gorgeous cottage in one of the prettiest parts of Pembrokeshire. The former coastguard’s cottage does need refurbishment and updating but once complete could make an ideal coastal retreat or holiday home.

“The property currently provides a lounge, kitchen area and three bedrooms also has an outbuilding at the rear which was previously been used as an office. It has two store rooms, a toilet and office area.

“The historic building has planning for a new access, an extension, a loft conversion and alterations to the property.

“Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park as well as being close to Bosherston Lily Ponds it is also near to the awesome Broad Haven Beach and contemplative St Govan’s Chapel.

“The cottage’s lawned grounds are enclosed by a wall and fencing. Given the tourism in the area the property could be developed into lucrative holiday rental.

“Bosherston is a tiny village just five miles south of the county town of Pembroke. Two miles to the south of Bosherston, nestled within the steep cliffs is St Govan’s Chapel. It is free to visit, although the only access is down steep steps carved into the side of the cliff. Barafundle Bay is just around the corner and there is a wealth of other sandy beaches and glorious coastal paths and walks, nearby

“Complete with period fireplace and cooking range, Haven is listed for sale with a guide price of £149,000.”

The coastguard’s cottage, together with some ninety other varied lots, will be offered for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions online starting at 12 noon on Thursday April 15 and ending from 5pm on Thursday, April 17.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Picture caption: Bolthole: This cute, former Pembrokeshire coastguard’s cottage is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £149,000.