Latest news with #Tufnell
Pembrokeshire Herald
8 hours ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Dentists warn Welsh reforms could ‘destroy NHS dentistry'
Patients in Pembrokeshire left stranded without NHS dentists as new centralised 'portal' plan sparks concern PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist. Henry Tufnell MP Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system. Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were 'shocking' and pointed to a system 'failing to meet the needs' of Pembrokeshire residents. Survey findings at a glance: 88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist 60% tried to register but were told no places were available Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son's treatment. Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform. 'Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,' Mr Tufnell said. 'Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn't working.' Centralised 'Dental Portal' proposed The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry. The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist. Under the new model: Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15) Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. 'When people need to see a dentist, they'll be able to access one — that's the critical thing,' he said. BDA and dentists voice serious concerns But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry. Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: 'There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won't be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.' Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition. Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: 'This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.' Voices from the public Local voices speak out: 'A total mess' As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it. Years without care, soaring bills Emma Roach shared her struggle: 'I haven't seen a dentist in seven years… I've got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can't afford even the check-up. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it's a mess. I'm a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn't get free NHS dental care.' MelJane Bainee added: 'My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we've been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we're not getting any help.' Others reported resorting to private schemes. 'Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,' wrote Abigail Louise Evans. Fury over government priorities Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: 'I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.' Another comment read: 'On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers' money to Starmer, we're here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!' Warnings over Welsh Government's reforms Kirsty Fisher didn't hold back: 'The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They're driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it's government policy doing this.' Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: 'Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.' Mary Dempsey added: 'If you're an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won't do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.' Mixed views on Henry Tufnell's efforts While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact. 'Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?' asked Ian Sturley. Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: 'While I appreciate Henry's efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn't appear overnight.' Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: 'Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?' Others were more sceptical of all political parties. Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: 'Reform aren't going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.' MP calls for local solution Henry Tufnell told The Herald: 'This isn't just about waiting lists or contracts — it's about people's lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.' The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembroke Dock braced for bank closure as MP slams Lloyds boss
Patients in Pembrokeshire left stranded without NHS dentists as new centralised 'portal' plan sparks concern PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist. Henry Tufnell MP Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system. Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were 'shocking' and pointed to a system 'failing to meet the needs' of Pembrokeshire residents. Survey findings at a glance: 88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist 60% tried to register but were told no places were available Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son's treatment. Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform. 'Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,' Mr Tufnell said. 'Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn't working.' Centralised 'Dental Portal' proposed The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry. The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist. Under the new model: Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15) Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. 'When people need to see a dentist, they'll be able to access one — that's the critical thing,' he said. BDA and dentists voice serious concerns But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry. Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: 'There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won't be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.' Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition. Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: 'This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.' Voices from the public Local voices speak out: 'A total mess' As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it. Years without care, soaring bills Emma Roach shared her struggle: 'I haven't seen a dentist in seven years… I've got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can't afford even the check-up. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it's a mess. I'm a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn't get free NHS dental care.' MelJane Bainee added: 'My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we've been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we're not getting any help.' Others reported resorting to private schemes. 'Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,' wrote Abigail Louise Evans. Fury over government priorities Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: 'I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.' Another comment read: 'On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers' money to Starmer, we're here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!' Warnings over Welsh Government's reforms Kirsty Fisher didn't hold back: 'The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They're driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it's government policy doing this.' Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: 'Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.' Mary Dempsey added: 'If you're an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won't do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.' Mixed views on Henry Tufnell's efforts While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact. 'Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?' asked Ian Sturley. Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: 'While I appreciate Henry's efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn't appear overnight.' Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: 'Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?' Others were more sceptical of all political parties. Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: 'Reform aren't going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.' MP calls for local solution Henry Tufnell told The Herald: 'This isn't just about waiting lists or contracts — it's about people's lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.' The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Dental crisis deepens as MP reveals survey shock — Welsh Govt eyes sweeping changes
Patients in Pembrokeshire left stranded without NHS dentists as new centralised 'portal' plan sparks concern PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist. Henry Tufnell MP Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system. Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were 'shocking' and pointed to a system 'failing to meet the needs' of Pembrokeshire residents. Survey findings at a glance: 88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist 60% tried to register but were told no places were available Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son's treatment. Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform. 'Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,' Mr Tufnell said. 'Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn't working.' Centralised 'Dental Portal' proposed The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry. The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist. Under the new model: Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15) Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. 'When people need to see a dentist, they'll be able to access one — that's the critical thing,' he said. BDA and dentists voice serious concerns But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry. Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: 'There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won't be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.' Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition. Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: 'This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.' Voices from the public Local voices speak out: 'A total mess' As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it. Years without care, soaring bills Emma Roach shared her struggle: 'I haven't seen a dentist in seven years… I've got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can't afford even the check-up. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it's a mess. I'm a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn't get free NHS dental care.' MelJane Bainee added: 'My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we've been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we're not getting any help.' Others reported resorting to private schemes. 'Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,' wrote Abigail Louise Evans. Fury over government priorities Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: 'I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.' Another comment read: 'On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers' money to Starmer, we're here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!' Warnings over Welsh Government's reforms Kirsty Fisher didn't hold back: 'The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They're driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it's government policy doing this.' Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: 'Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.' Mary Dempsey added: 'If you're an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won't do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.' Mixed views on Henry Tufnell's efforts While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact. 'Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?' asked Ian Sturley. Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: 'While I appreciate Henry's efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn't appear overnight.' Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: 'Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?' Others were more sceptical of all political parties. Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: 'Reform aren't going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.' MP calls for local solution Henry Tufnell told The Herald: 'This isn't just about waiting lists or contracts — it's about people's lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.' The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.
Pembrokeshire Herald
28-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Nurses in Wales ‘falling behind' in pay as union warns of burnout and inequality
A MAJOR public consultation on the future of nine vital NHS services in west Wales is expected to be launched on Wednesday (May 29), following a meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board. The consultation, part of the board's Clinical Services Plan, will run until August 31 and seek views on how care is delivered across services including critical care, stroke, radiology, emergency general surgery and orthopaedics. All nine services have been described as 'fragile' by the board due to mounting pressures on staff, infrastructure and safety. The consultation comes after months of political pressure, with elected representatives across parties accusing the health board of presiding over a system that is 'not delivering' for the people of west Wales. Tufnell presses for action Henry Tufnell MP: Says Heath Board has lack of transparency and accountability (Pic: Herald) Labour MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Mid and South Pembrokeshire, has already met with Hywel Dda's leadership several times this year, including a formal meeting with Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer on February 14, where he presented findings from a major survey of over 1,000 local residents. 'There's still no acceptance by the board that there's a problem,' Mr Tufnell said. 'The management is failing us here in Pembrokeshire. There's a complete lack of transparency and accountability.' He said 62% of residents reported waiting over a week for a GP appointment, and 87% believed health services in the region had worsened in recent years. He has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the board demanding transparency on waiting times, patient access, and emergency care capacity. Although health is devolved to the Welsh Government, Tufnell insists he will continue to apply pressure as the public face of growing discontent in Westminster. 'I want to see concrete commitments to improving patient access and safeguarding the future of local hospitals. The people I represent deserve clarity, not vague promises,' he added. MSs warn of crisis and call for protection of Withybush Concern over the future of Withybush Hospital and wider NHS services is also being raised by Senedd Members. On Wednesday (May 22), Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS met with senior Health Board figures to demand urgent action. 'The number one issue in my inbox is unacceptable treatment delays,' Kurtz said. 'Behind every statistic is a person — someone living in pain, anxiety, or uncertainty because our health system is not delivering.' He went further, accusing the Welsh Labour Government of failing after 26 years of overseeing NHS Wales: 'No amount of spin from Labour Ministers can cover up the truth: our health service is in crisis.' Kurtz and Davies called for full protection of Withybush Hospital and its emergency department, warning that any further downgrading would be 'unacceptable to local people.' Withybush: hospital under strain Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest remains at the heart of local fears. In 2023, six wards were forced to close due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the structure—leading to the loss of over 100 beds during emergency repairs. Although the hospital reopened in April 2024, officials warn the issue is ongoing, with further scanning and potential closures scheduled later this year. The hospital has already seen key services centralised or reduced over the past decade, sparking repeated public protests. Critics argue the consultation could be used to justify further cuts. Consultation opens amid NHS crisis The Clinical Services Plan proposes to review nine key services across west Wales: critical care, emergency general surgery, stroke, endoscopy, radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and urology. The Health Board says no preferred option has been chosen and insists the public consultation is vital to shaping future services. Interim Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said: 'We want to hear your views on which options best address the challenges, improve standards, and reduce waiting times. We're also keen to understand any concerns, impacts, or alternative ideas you may have — including your thoughts on the future role of our main hospitals.' The consultation launches amid the release of new NHS Wales data showing continued underperformance on cancer treatment targets, delays in A&E departments, and worsening waiting times across many regions—including Pembrokeshire. Get involved The public can share views through online questionnaires and at a series of in-person and virtual events running throughout the summer. The consultation results will be considered by the Health Board in November 2025—unless high response levels delay analysis. To take part or learn more, visit: Residents can also register with the board's engagement scheme at:
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Health board launches critical services consultation as MP demands answers
A MAJOR public consultation on the future of nine vital NHS services in west Wales is expected to be launched on Wednesday (May 29) following a meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board. The consultation, part of the board's Clinical Services Plan, will run until August 31 and seeks views on options for delivering care across services including critical care, stroke, radiology, emergency general surgery and orthopaedics. The board says all nine areas are fragile and in urgent need of change to ensure safety, quality, and sustainability. Henry Tufnell MP: Says Heath Board has lack of transparency and accountability (Pic: Herald) But the plan is already under political and public scrutiny, as newly elected Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell prepares for a key meeting with health board leadership in the days following the consultation's launch. He has accused the board of presiding over a deteriorating healthcare system and called for 'immediate and meaningful action' to restore public trust and address mounting delays in diagnosis, treatment and GP access. 'There's still no acceptance by the board that there's a problem,' Mr Tufnell said. 'The management is failing us here in Pembrokeshire. There's a complete lack of transparency and accountability.' While health is devolved to the Welsh Government and decisions on service configuration ultimately lie with Senedd ministers and local health boards, Tufnell's intervention puts Labour under pressure on two fronts—at Westminster and in Cardiff Bay. The MP, who has already submitted a Freedom of Information request about GP waiting times and service performance, is demanding full disclosure from Hywel Dda on plans to tackle NHS fragility in the region. He insists the consultation must lead to 'more than paperwork.' 'I want to see concrete commitments to improving patient access and safeguarding the future of local hospitals. The people I represent deserve clarity, not vague promises,' he said. Cracks in the system—literally Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest lies at the heart of local concern. Once a fully functioning general hospital, it has seen gradual downgrading of services over the past decade—and last year, its structural weaknesses became national news. In 2023, six wards were forced to close after dangerous concrete—Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)—was found in the building's ceilings. Over 100 beds were taken offline during urgent repairs. Though all wards were reopened by spring 2024, health chiefs admit that problems linked to RAAC will remain for the 'lifetime of the building' and further closures are expected as parts of the hospital are re-surveyed this year. The Welsh Government allocated £12.8 million for temporary remediation, but the long-term future of the building remains in doubt, with calls growing for a new hospital to replace the aging structure. Campaigners fear the consultation may be used to justify further centralisation of services away from Pembrokeshire. 'A system under pressure' The Clinical Services Plan identifies nine services at risk of failing to deliver safe, timely care. These include critical care, emergency surgery, stroke services, radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, endoscopy and urology. The Health Board says it has no preferred option at this stage and wants to hear from staff, patients and the public before any decision is made. In-person and online events are planned over the summer, and a questionnaire will be made available from May 29. Interim Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said: 'We want to hear your views on which options best address the challenges, improve standards, and reduce waiting times. We're also keen to understand any concerns, impacts, or alternative ideas you may have—including your thoughts on the future role of our main hospitals.' The consultation opens amid a grim new snapshot of NHS performance in Wales. Data published today (May 22) reveals persistent backlogs in planned care, mounting pressure on emergency departments, and cancer pathway delays across the country. In Pembrokeshire, GP appointment access remains among the worst in Wales, and local A&E departments continue to struggle with patient flow—exacerbated by bed shortages and social care delays. Public invited to shape future care The consultation will ask the public to comment on which proposals best address current service fragilities, how they may impact patients and communities, the role of local hospitals, and any alternative suggestions or priorities. The results will be reviewed by the Health Board in November 2025, though that date may be pushed back if the volume of responses is high. To take part or learn more, visit: Residents can also register with the board's engagement scheme at:
