North Wales MS shares his time at Wrexham Maelor Hospital
June 8th marked the 10th anniversary of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board first being placed in special measures.
Speaking in the Welsh Conservative Debate calling on the Welsh Government to initiate a Public Inquiry into the Health Board, I referred to my own experience as a patient at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, 'where the staff were brilliant, but the system was clearly breaking', and said 'Llais North Wales, the people's voice in health and social care, told me two weeks ago that the Health Board remains the primary concern reported to them'.
As Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Disability I met the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice ahead of her Statement on the Welsh Government's Disabled People's Rights Plan.
Responding to the Statement in the Chamber later, I quoted the Chair of the Disability Rights Taskforce's Housing and Community Working Group, who said the draft document was 'a smokescreen' rather than a Plan, and asked how the Welsh Government will ensure that this leads to real change rather than becoming, as he put it, 'a collection of vague intentions dressed up as progress.
No targets. No teeth. No real-world accountability'.
I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to respond to the concerns of Wales' disability sector that the UK Government's proposed reforms to disability benefits risk further disabling people in Wales by compounding poverty and exclusion.
Responding to the Statement on 'Volunteers' Week' by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, I praised voluntary sector organisations but expressed concern at the 'avalanche' of cuts in the sector following the Welsh Government's failure to protect the funding for the vital services they provide, thereby generating false economies and far higher cost pressures for statutory service providers.
I Chaired a meeting of the Senedd Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, which included an evidence session with the Welsh Government on Active Travel in Wales.
Other engagements included meeting Ukrainian frontline journalists and Ukrainian war crimes investigators from 'Truth Hounds'; Polish Heritage Days 2025 Celebration; Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales meeting, as Wales Species Champion for the Curlew; and 'Transforming Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Diagnosis in Wales'.
I also met the Chief Executive Officer of Rhyl-based not-for-profit organisation RCS, Wellbeing for Work; met the All-Wales Deaf Mental Health and Wellbeing Group (AWDMHWG) and Dr. Christopher Shank from Bangor University, to discuss the AWDMHWG Deaf Health Project through Bangor University; visited The Vale Grocer at Denbigh Farmers Market; and. watched 'Tick, tick…Boom!' at wonderful Theatr Clwyd, Mold.
For help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
9 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Llandrindod's Samaritans branch could be under threat
UNCERTAINTY clouds the future of Powys' sole Samaritans branch, after the suicide prevention charity announced that at least half of its offices in the UK will close. The proposals were revealed in a video message to staff earlier this month, sent by the leadership of the charity. It is believed there is no definitive view on how many branches the charity will close, but chief executive Julie Bentley said: 'It's likely that within the next seven to 10 years our branch network will have (been) reduced by at least half. 'With less branches, we'll look to move to fewer but bigger regions.' Samaritans has more than 200 branches across the UK. Llandrindod Wells is the only one in Powys and one of 10 in Wales. The list of branches which could close has not been decided; though if the charity's board agrees to the plans at a meeting in September, the changes will begin in April in the UK and 2027 in Ireland. In response to the closures, Plaid Cymru health spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor, expressed particular concern on the impact the closures will have on the Welsh Government's suicide prevention strategy. He called for 'urgent explanations' from the Welsh Government. 'The work that the Samaritans do day in, day out is invaluable,' he said. 'The news of so many branches closing will be met with disappointment and fear in Wales and across the UK. 'We need urgent explanations from the Welsh Government about what this means for Wales' mental health and suicide prevention strategy. 'We must also recognise the invaluable service offered by the Samaritans through the medium of Welsh – a service that we must try to protect.' Founded in 1953, the Samaritans focus on preventing suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who are struggling. The charity estimates it answers a call for help every 10 seconds. The news comes as the charity launched a groundbreaking project at the Royal Welsh Show to reduce suicide in farming communities. Samaritans Cymru is setting out to break the cycle of suicide risk in rural Wales by launching the 'Our Farming, Our Future' project. The project will work closely with Wales Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) in Ceredigion, Brecknock, Montgomery and Radnorshire to develop peer-led activities and resources that can be cascaded across farming communities to reduce the risk of suicide in rural areas. Powys Samaritans is the youngest Samaritans branch (premises based) in the UK and was set up in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak in 1994. Over the last 31 years the branch has moved from a one-bedroomed flat to renting a larger premises; and it now owns an entire building on the spa town's High Street, comprising of upstairs rooms for listening volunteers and training, in addition to a charity shop on the ground floor which brings in the majority of funding.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Putin suddenly cancels Russia's naval parade after huge losses in Ukraine war as Trump ‘loses patience' with tyrant
It is not the first time Putin has been forced to axe an annual Russian celebration due to the raging conflict VLAD'S U-TURN Putin suddenly cancels Russia's naval parade after huge losses in Ukraine war as Trump 'loses patience' with tyrant Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VLADIMIR Putin has mysteriously cancelled his annual naval parade at the last-minute as Russia's war losses continue to mount. Ukraine has managed to destroy over a third of Russia's combat fleets in the Black Sea since Putin's invasion in 2022 as well as eliminating over a million soldiers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Vladimir Putin has mysteriously cancelled his annual naval parade at the last-minute Credit: AFP 9 A Russian warship upin flames after a Ukrainian attack on a Black Sea port Credit: TELEGRAM/UNPIXS 9 Russian amphibious ship, the Caesar Kunikov, was sunk off the coast of Crimea in a powerful explosion Credit: UKRAINIAN MILITARY/UNPIXS 9 Russia's event is often touted as an opportunity for Putin to show off his military might but Kremlin officials are yet to provide an explanation into why it has been axed. The Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation first announced the cancellation online as they said: "The Kremlin can no longer pretend that the war doesn't affect Russia's home front. "The war impacts all areas of life in Russia, even symbolic and high-profile events like the navy parade. "Today, Russian warships cannot feel safe even on their own territory. "Against this backdrop, the news that Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, will be decommissioned and scrapped is especially telling." Work on the hulking aircraft carrier was suspended earlier this month with reports suggesting the vessel is doomed for the scrapheap. Ukraine has systematically laid waste to Putin's naval forces since 2022 in kamikaze drone and missile attacks. In 2024, Putin's newest and only remaining missile cruiser in the Black Sea was destroyed by Ukraine forces. The 'Zyklon' was taken out alongside the 266-M minesweeper, Kovrovets, in a devastating ATACMS missiles strike. Putin refuses to meet Zelensky to end war as tyrant's forces kill six in fresh blitz on residential area in Ukraine Its sinking was part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign targeting the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Last April, Ukraine's Navy said it had struck the salvage ship Kommuna - the oldest ship still serving in the Russian Navy. Ukraine's top brass say they have decimated 34 per cent of the Black Sea Fleet's 184 warships had been disabled. It is not the first time Putin has been forced to axe an annual Russian celebration due to the raging conflict. He was made to cancel midnight firework displays across Russia on New Year's Eve as a joyless consequence of his war. There were even claims that the war-wounded could be scared of the noise from fireworks. Despite facing crippling losses Putin has continued to launch deadly strikes on Ukrainian civilians in recent days as he continues to anger the US. America has accused Moscow of dragging out the war with their senseless attacks instead of agreeing to a peace deal. 9 A Russian rocket boat and other warships float past drawbridges above the Neva River ahead of the 2022 parade Credit: AP 9 Putin out on the water at the parade last year Credit: AP 9 Putin unleashed another deadly blitz on civilians with a fire raging in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Saturday Credit: East2West US secretary of state Marco Rubio told Fox News on Saturday that President Donald Trump is now growing 'impatient' with Putin's delaying tactics. He said: "I think he is growing increasingly frustrated that despite having very good interaction with Vladimir Putin in phone calls, it never leads to anything. "The time has come for some action here, and I think the president has made that abundantly clear. "He's losing his patience, he is losing his willingness to continue to wait for the Russian side to do something here to bring an end to this war. "That wasn't his war, but he wants to see it come to an end." The US has been trying to force Putin to negotiate a deal with Trump issuing a blistering 50-day ultimatum to Russia earlier this month saying he must agree to a ceasefire of face crippling sanctions. He vented his frustration with the despot, declaring he was "disappointed" but "not done" with him. The US and Kyiv have also been pushing to get Vlad to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in what would be the first meeting of the pair since Russia's illegal invasion. But the Kremlin was quick to dismiss both Western leaders as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov officially said a meeting won't take place unless a peace deal is ready to be finalised. This isn't likely to happen until the end of August at the earliest, he added. Hours after, Putin ordered his troops to unleash another deadly blitz on civilians. At least six Ukrainians were killed in the horror Russian strikes which targeted a high rise building and left a shopping mall up in flames. Kharkiv, Novodvoryansky, Dnipro and Kamianske were all targeted. 9 Death and destruction was brought to Dnipropetrovsk region Credit: East2West
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Putin warns of nuclear war after unleashing another night of hell on Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has showcased new sea drones in the Baltic Sea which could explode NATO ships as Moscow again issued a nuclear warning to the West following another night of deadly strikes Vladimir Putin launched new deadly strikes against Ukraine as the US signalled Donald Trump is losing patience with the Kremlin dictator. The United States accused Moscow of dragging out the war even though Russia has seen 100,000 of its own troops killed so far this year. Footage showed the latest death and destruction as Putin's aerospace forces struck Ukrainian military positions in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions with giant aerial bombs. And the Russians were shown using Grad multiple launch rocket systems in the Krasnoarmeysk section of the frontline in Donetsk region. Separately, Moscow issued a nuclear war warning to the West, as Putin showcased in the Baltic Sea how his new sea drones could explode NATO ships. With Trump due to discuss the Ukrainian war with UK premier Sir Keir Starmer, US secretary of state Marco Rubio told Fox News that the US president is growing 'impatient' about Putin's delaying tactics and failure to end the war. 'I think he is growing increasingly frustrated that despite having very good interaction with Vladimir Putin in phone calls, it never leads to anything so the time has come for some action here, and I think the president has made that abundantly clear,' said Rubio. 'He's losing his patience, he is losing his willingness to continue to wait for the Russian side to do something here to bring an end to this war. That wasn't his war, but he wants to see it come to an end.' Rubio highlighted the chilling Russian toll Putin is accepting as he persists with the war in search of small territorial gains. 'You know since January this year over 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed - just on the Russian side,' he said. 'It's a bloody conflict with a lot of death and destruction. A lot of this engagement has been just about playing for time and sort of delay tactics to make it look like they are interested in peace but not really serious about it. He's not going to fall into that trap of being pulled into endless talks about talks.' Overnight, Russia continued to strike Ukraine, notably in Kharkiv and Sumy regions, with civilian casualties. Ukraine hit back, closing Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg with drone incursions and destroying an electricity station at Zhutovo station supplying a key rail link in Volgograd. This caused disruption and chaos on a rail line supplying Putin's war machine. Early today Ukrainian drones were buzzing Kronstadt naval port on the Gulf of Finland, as Russia marked its annual Navy Day. Putin had cancelled a major navy show of force today here amid fears he could be targeted by Ukrainian strikes. But footage shows his major war games in the Baltic Sea highlighting a new unmanned boat with a high-powered warhead destroying a mock NATO ship. Putin closed a swathe of the Baltic in his latest show of strength to the West, part of July Storm war games involving 150-plus warships, 120 aircraft and 15,000-plus military personnel. At the same time, his hawkish aide and former spymaster Nikolai Patrushev was sent out to slap down American General Christopher Donahue, who had indicated NATO possessed the military might to destroy the Russian Baltic region of Kaliningrad, wedged between Western states Poland and Lithuania, faster than Putin could blink in the event of Moscow's aggression against the Alliance. 'We have long been aware of the West's plans for Kaliningrad,' retorted Patrushev. He accused the West of 'aspirations' to 'violate Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity by military means'. 'I can only comment on them in one way,' he said. 'The Kaliningrad region is an integral part of Russia, and any military encroachment on it will be met with an immediate and crushing response using all the forces and means at our disposal.' He specified he was threatening a nuclear response 'as provided for in the Military Doctrine and the Fundamentals of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence'. Patrushev - a former head of the FSB counterintelligence service - warned: 'Russia has all the necessary military instruments to guarantee the security of the Kaliningrad region.' Meanwhile, Polish premier Donald Tusk - a former president of the European Council - said he had received an assessment of Russia's readiness for military conflict with the NATO states in Europe in 18 months. The analysis was from General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. 'NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, confirmed to me the American assessments that Russia will be ready for confrontation in just a year and a half,' said Tusk. 'Russia will be ready for confrontation with Europe — and therefore with us — as early as 2027.' Marine drones have been pioneered by Ukraine, which has been fighting for almost three and a half years for its sovereignty against Putin's invasion. Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been rendered substantially ineffective by the threat from these unmanned boats to its ships. But the new footage shows Moscow catching up with Ukraine and deploying its own sea drones - for example in the Baltic - where there is potential for confrontation with the West. Meanwhile, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff forecast the US president would broker a peace deal. 'We will resolve the issue between Russia and Ukraine, and we will conclude a peace agreement - because it must be,' he told Fox News. 'The President is right: this war should never have started. I think we will come to a solution, and hopefully, this will be a turning point.'
