Letter: Powys patients are being rationed healthcare
One might expect a health board to fight tooth and nail for faster care and better outcomes. Instead, PTHB has chosen to drag its standards down, inflicting needless pain and distress on its residents in the name of 'fairness'.
Let's call this what it is: a bureaucratic betrayal. Patients who once had hope of timely treatment in neighbouring English hospitals are now being punished for living on the wrong side of a political border.
No warning letters. No consultation. Just silence and suffering.
This is healthcare rationing by stealth - and those paying the price are elderly residents, working families, and anyone unfortunate enough to fall ill in Powys.
That the Welsh Government has allowed this policy to stand speaks volumes.
For years now, Welsh Labour has presided over a crumbling NHS, where two-year waits for treatment have become normalised.
It is a disgrace that such delays are not only tolerated but actively extended to more people in the name of 'equity'.
The First Minister and her Cabinet have overseen a service in steady decline - and now, in Powys, that decline has taken a bitter new turn.
Let us not pretend this is just a local hiccup. It is the inevitable outcome of years of poor planning, underfunding, and warped priorities under a devolved administration that seems utterly detached from reality.
If ever proof were needed that devolution has failed Wales, this is it. It has delivered neither competence nor accountability – only mediocrity, delay, and frustration.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams
'He'd be very proud': A level joy for student whose dad died during exams Betsan Crisp, who has volunteered at Glangwili Hospital, will now start a paramedic science course at university Betsan Crisp will study to become a paramedic (Image: Copyright Unknown) An A level student from Carmarthenshire, whose father passed away during her exams, reckons he would be very proud of her after she achieved an A, B and C prior to enrolling at university to study paramedic science. "I'm very pleased," said Betsan Crisp of her results in health and social care, Welsh Baccalaureate and medical sciences. 'Medical sciences was probably the hardest," she said. Aspiring paramedic and Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth student Betsan thanked her heads of sixth form, Rhiannon Daniel and Gwenllian Phillips, for their support in recent months. 'They've always been there for me,' she said. Her father died in June. Follow our live A level results blog here with results and reaction from schools and colleges across Wales. Betsan, 18, of Cross Hands, has got an insight into the world of medical care after volunteering at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, for two days where she shadowed healthcare professionals. Her course at Swansea University starts next month. "I have always wanted to help people," she said. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here Article continues below Finishing school is "weird" says Trystan Lavery (Image: Copyright Unknown) The morning of August 14 was a bit of a whirlwind for fellow student Trystan Lavery. He had envisaged studying medicine at university but initially didn't receive an offer and so set his sights on economics instead. He then found out he got As in biology, chemistry and maths and, not only that, offers to study medicine at Cardiff University and Bangor University. 'I was not expecting to get an offer,' he said. The 18-year-old said he was minded to pursue the economics option and has been looking at the London School of Economics, Imperial College London and Bristol University as preferred options. He said: 'I've done a lot of research into it." He added: 'It's quite weird finishing school.' Betsan Lewis and Luke Smith (Image: Richard Youle ) Betsan Lewis, meanwhile, had an unusual A level experience - she was the only student at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth to study Welsh. And she did particularly well, achieving an A* in the subject. She thanked her teacher Dr Non Evans for her guidance, and added: 'I had to learn a lot of independent skills.' She hopes this will stand her in good stead for university. Betsan also got an A* in Welsh Baccalaureate, an A in religious studies and B in music. 'I'm really happy,' she said. Betsan, 18, of Drefach, will be celebrating with friends and is off to Cardiff University in September to study Welsh and philosophy. Arwyn Thomas, headteacher of the school in Cefneithin, near Cross Hands, paid tribute to students and the staff and said 10 students achieved three or more A*/A grades or equivalent. "I would like to congratulate everyone involved and extend my best wishes to the students as they embark on the next stage of their careers," he said. "I would also wish the very best to a high percentage of our Year 13 students who are moving on to university, including a large percentage again this year to prestigious Russell group universities. "Thank you also to our staff for all their hard work preparing the students and offering them many experiences." The secondary school is in Cefneithin, near Cross Hands (Image: Richard Youle ) The students who achieved three or more A*/A grades or equivalent were Ela Adams, Eleri Fox, Mali Garland, Trystan Lavery, Betsan Lewis, Llewelyn Rhys, Seren Weston, Tegwen Wilkinson and Ela Williams. The 10th student to claim this accolade was Luke Smith. Luke, of Llandybie, is heading east to Bath University in September to study pharmacy after getting an A* in maths, A in chemistry and biology, and C in Welsh Baccalaureate. Luke, 18, said he was happy with his results, which he said were pretty much as had been predicted. The pharmacy course is four years, with a further training year on top. The number of A* grades in Wales rose slightly this year to 10.5%, while 29.5% of results were A or A*, compared with 29.9% in 2024. Maths was the most popular subject. A big pat on the back for students across the country came from Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every student, alongside our dedicated teachers and education staff, whose commitment and effort have brought us to this moment," she said. "As you look towards your future, whether that involves starting an apprenticeship, entering employment, or beginning studies at university, I wish you 'pob lwc'." Article continues below
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Teenager who researched medical cannabis to study at Oxford
Ariana Howells, 17, achieved three A*s and one A in A-level biology, chemistry, maths, and English literature, plus 97% in her Extended Project Qualification, and will now take her place at Oxford University's St Hilda College to study biochemistry. Ariana, from Barry in Wales, carried out research examining the extent THC, a component of cannabis, can 'negatively affect sleep architecture' as part of her studies. The project highlighted the drug's promise, as well as gaps in existing research. Ariana Howells said her research into medical cannabis identified a need for more unbiased study (Neil Phillips Photo and Film/PA) 'There were only seven studies worth citing,' Ariana, a scholarship student at Cardiff Sixth Form College, said. 'I expected clearer answers, but what I found was a real need for more in-depth, unbiased research. This is something I want to keep exploring at university and beyond.' Ariana's interest in medical cannabis is personal as well as academic. Her mother lives with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition with no cure, and medical cannabis has played a crucial role in improving her quality of life. Her parents run a medical cannabis clinic in Wales – Cannabis Clinic Cardiff – where the teenager has spent the last two years helping with admin and learning about the evolving science behind the plant-based treatment. She said: 'Seeing my mum's condition and the way cannabis helped her and the patients who visit our clinic really opened my eyes to its medical potential. 'My dad is also a senior psychiatrist, so I've grown up in a household where science and care come together.' Outside of school, Ariana earned gold in the Biology Olympiad, reached the semi-finals in the International Biology Bowl, and is also a competitive ice skater, having competed in the juvenile British championships in 2020 for synchronised ice skating. Now preparing for Oxford, Ariana plans to channel her energy into drug development and mental health research – with a special interest in how medical cannabis could one day transform care. Ariana Howells achieved three A*s and one A (Neil Phillips Photo and Film Ltd/PA) 'There's still stigma and strong media opinions,' she said. 'But science is about asking difficult questions and being open to where the evidence leads.' Welsh Education Secretary Lynne Neagle extended her congratulations to students picking up their results on Thursday. She said: 'Every learner opening their results today has earned the right to feel immense pride in what they've accomplished, and these achievements demonstrate remarkable determination. 'As you look towards your future, whether that involves starting an apprenticeship, entering employment, or beginning studies at university, I wish you 'pob lwc'.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Big Brother star rushed to hospital for emergency surgery screaming in ‘unbearable pain'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BIG Brother star Jenkin Edwards said he was rushed to hospital screaming in "unbearable pain". The Welsh barman revealed he was sent straight into emergency surgery as he detailed the dramatic events of the past 48 hours. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Jenkin Edwards almost left hospital before getting his results 2 Jenkin opened up about his ordeal The star shared a photo from his hospital bed on Instagram, wearing compression socks and a hospital gown draped over him. He told fans: 'Tuesday night I was experiencing the most unbearable pain in my stomach, I was bent over in pain sobbing my eyes out. 'Wednesday I was rushed through for emergency surgery as I had appendicitis.' The TV personality admitted he didn't realise how serious things were at first, joking: 'I thought I was just being dramatic and asked to go home 20 minutes before my results came back.' He praised hospital staff for their care, writing: 'I can't thank the staff enough, I am yet to meet a single person who hasn't taken the time to be kind, listen to me and be attentive. 'I've been alone while I've been here and everyone has explained every little step to me – it really has meant the world.' Keeping spirits high, he quipped: 'I did ask if I could get a tummy tuck while they were there but they were unable to do it – so unfortunately you're not gonna see a massive change in me just yet.' But his message ended on a serious note, urging followers not to ignore their health: 'Please, please, please, if you experience any sort of aches or pains, go and get them checked. I was going to leave this and God knows what would have happened if I did.' Jenkin recently celebrated his time on Big Brother with an emotional post to fans. The barman, 28, was labelled "moody" and "boring" by fans during his five week stint in the house. Ex-housemates Hallie and Chanelle previously told us that Jenkin's mood would often change if he was restricted from the smoking area. But he's now admitted he'd love to do it all over again and is glad he got to represent gay and plus-sized men on the show. He said: '25 years of Big Brother. 'To some people it's just a show but to me it was more than that , it was a way of showing that plus sized neurodivergent gay men exist and deserve a seat at the table. 'It was a way of making my parents proud , it was a way of putting a middle finger up to all the bullies I've encountered through my life , and in some ways it was a way of me loving myself again. 'Growing up Big Brother was a family favourite, my mum and nan were hooked from day one. 'Weirdly it felt like big brother was always a part of my childhood. It was always on in the background ( if you remember the 24hr live stream you're a real one ). 'I grew up knowing I someday would be a part of my family's favourite show and can you believe I was lucky enough to get in on my first try. 'I wish nothing but good luck to everyone going into the mad house this year. 'You're in for the ride of your life and you'll make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I'm jealous I can't do it again!!'
