Latest news with #Gwynfor
South Wales Argus
12 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Senedd hears allied health professionals ‘undervalued'
Mabon ap Gwynfor said allied health professionals (AHPs) – more than a dozen professions from paramedics to radiographers – make up around a quarter of the NHS workforce. But Plaid Cymru's shadow health secretary told the Senedd that allied health professionals are 'constantly undervalued' and receive 'far too little attention'. Mr ap Gwynfor called on the Welsh Government to develop a long-term workforce strategy as he led a debate on a motion backed by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. He said: 'Wales invests in training the next generation of AHPs, yet shockingly, many of them are unable to secure employment…. These are highly skilled, motivated individuals trained at public expense but often left underemployed or forced to leave Wales for work.' Senedd members warned of the 'postcode lottery', with Mr ap Gwynfor saying: 'Too often, your ability to access life-changing support depends on where you live, not what you need.' The Society of Radiographers has warned of a chronic shortage of radiographers across the NHS, with an average department vacancy rate of 15 per cent. Wales also has fewer speech and language therapists per head than anywhere else in the UK and trains only 55 a year. The Conservatives' Mark Isherwood said: 'To make matters worse, the youth justice board for England and Wales reports that 71 per cent of sentenced children have speech, language or communication difficulties, showing just how important these services are.' Labour's John Griffiths echoed concerns about the barriers many patients face when accessing health care, including limited provision and long waiting times in some areas. Jeremy Miles, Wales' health secretary, agreed about the need to invest to nurture and develop the workforce, describing AHPs as the 'heartbeat of the health service'. He told Senedd members there are more allied health professionals working in the NHS in Wales than ever before, with a 12 per cent increase in the past three years. Mr Miles drew attention to an extra £5m the Welsh Government made available to health boards every year from April 2023 to create more AHP posts. 'More than 100 additional full-time equivalent AHPs and support workers have been employed as a direct result of that additional investment,' he said. The Senedd voted 31-0, with 16 abstentions, in favour of the motion following the debate
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
People's day to day lives being ruined as debate heats up over bypass funding
People's day to day lives being ruined as debate heats up over bypass funding The debate continues over the Llanbedr bypass Residents complain traffic comes to a standstill in Llanbedr on an almost 'daily basis' (Image: Llanbedr bypass community group ) Supporters of the Llanbedr bypass are being redirected to apply for funding through a new regional transport authority, as opposed to receiving direct financial support from the Welsh Government. A £14m bypass for Llanbedr received approval in March 2020, only to be cancelled in November 2021 after a review on roads due to climate change concerns by the government. Traffic issues remain unresolved and tend to worsen during the summer. The Welsh Government has indicated that a "low-speed" road alternative, designed to alleviate congestion in the village centre, may still be considered, allocating £400,000 to develop the idea. Specialist consultancy WSP, together with Cyngor Gwynedd and civil engineering firm YGC, have been refining various upgrade proposals for the Llanbedr area. This includes a revised plan for a possible new road west of Llanbedr. A "material start" was also made on parts of the previously sanctioned project, potentially smoothing the path for future planning permissions. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . However, the First Minister recently announced that any funding requests must now go through the newly established Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales, comprising local councils, with a £100m budget earmarked for regional transport investment, reports North Wales Live. Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, argues that it is incumbent upon the government to directly finance the bypass, especially after shelving the initial scheme. Article continues below Speaking in the Senedd, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS stated: "A fortnight ago, you were celebrating the fact that you'd asked for a specific amount of funding from the Westminster government through the Spending Review and that you'd received the money that you'd asked for. "Last week I questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Transport as to why a bid wasn't made for funding for plans in northwest Wales and the response I got was that it wasn't that simple – you need plans that are operational within three years and that's why bids hadn't been made. "You will be aware of the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme – it was your government that withdrew funding for the Llanbedr bypass originally, and therefore it's your government that has prevented those plans from being developed. "It was a plan – if implemented and if the funding was in place – it could be operational by 2027. There is no excuse as to why that cannot proceed, apart from the fact that you're not funding it. "Will you make a commitment today that you support the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme and that you're willing to find the monies to ensure that Gwynedd Council can proceed with that programme as soon as possible?" The new road proposal for Llanbedr First Minister Eluned Morgan responded: "Well, the Labour Government is eager to ensure that local leaders do have a greater say on which roads, and so forth, that should be developed. "That's why we're going to ensure that financial allocations in the future are based on the decision made by the corporate joint committee. I think that it is important to note the fact that a working group has been established between Cyngor Gwynedd and the Welsh Government and Transport Wales to consider the options that are available to deal with transport problems in Llanbedr. "We've already given £0.5 million to Cyngor Gwynedd to continue with the design development. Then, what will need to be done is that they will then need to convince and work with the CJC to make the case for that funding coming to Llanbedr." Mabon ap Gwynfor MS added: "In her response the First Minister said that a pot of £100m was being provided to local authorities across north Wales for transport infrastructure and that Gwynedd will have to argue the case for £32m of this pot. "It's the Welsh government that pulled the plug on Llanbedr's shovel-ready plans four years ago, therefore it is their responsibility to now ensure that the relief road is fully funded and goes ahead without further delay." Local councillor Gwynfor Owen expressed his gratitude towards Mabon ap Gwynfor, Member of the Senedd, for addressing the First Minister about the critical Llanbedr Relief Road issue. "I am grateful to our Member of Senedd Mabon ap Gwynfor for raising this matter with the First Minister today. "The issue of the Llanbedr Relief Road is of utmost importance for the area, for safety reasons as well as for economic opportunities for the future. If the Welsh Government want to show that they are a government for the whole of Wales they should immediately guarantee the funding that this project needs." Cllr Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, highlighted the negative impact the ongoing situation in Llanbedr has on local residents. "This on-going saga at Llanbedr is ruining people's day to day life in the village itself. Walkers are being put at risk due to the inadequacies of the road infrastructure not fit for 21st century use and the environmental effects of heavy traffic at standstill regularly at the village during busy periods is a serious cause for concern." She also pointed out the longstanding economic repercussions of the inadequate road system. "In addition, the economic impact this inferior road infrastructure is having on this rural area has been an issue since the late 1950s. It is high time that this Labour Government did what is needed, take decisive action now." Article continues below
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
'Traffic ruining people's day to day life and Welsh Government should fund solution'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Backers of the Llanbedr bypass will need to bid for cash from a new regional transport body rather than get direct funding from Welsh Government. A £14m bypass for Llanbedr was given the go-ahead in March 2020 but then scrapped in November 2021 following a climate change roads review by the government. The problem with traffic congestion has not gone away and always becomes more acute in the summer months. Welsh Government has said a new 'low-speed' road plan to relieve pressure from the village centre could still be on the table - putting forward £400,000 for work to progress proposals. Consultants WSP worked in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd and civil engineering consultancy YGC to finalise the potential options for improvements in and around Llanbedr. This included an updated design for a potential new road to the west of Llanbedr. A "material start" was also made on parts of the previously approved scheme to ease the way when it comes to planning. But this week the First Minister said any bid for funding would now need to be made to a newly formed Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales, made up of local authorities. This has been allocated £100m to be used in the region on transport. But Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor says the government should be directly funding the scheme after pulling the plug on the original project. Speaking in the Senedd, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: "A fortnight ago, you were celebrating the fact that you'd asked for a specific amount of funding form the Westminster government through the Spending Review and that you'd received the money that you'd asked for. "Last week I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Transport why a bid wasn't made for funding for plans in northwest Wales and the response I got was that it wasn't that simple – you need plans that are operational within three years and that's why bids hadn't been made. You will be aware of the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme – it was your government that withdrew funding for the Llanbedr bypass originally, and therefore it's your government that has prevented those plans from being developed. "It was a plan – if implemented and if the funding was in place – it could be operational by 2027. There is no excuse as to why that cannot proceed, apart from the fact that you're not funding it. Will you make a commitment today that you support the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme and that you're willing to find the monies to ensure that Gwynedd Council can proceed with that programme as soon as possible." First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Well, the Labour Government is eager to ensure that local leaders do have a greater say on which roads, and so forth, that should be developed. "That's why we're going to ensure that financial allocations in the future are based on the decision made by the corporate joint committee. I think that it is important to note the fact that a working group has been established between Cyngor Gwynedd and the Welsh Government and Transport Wales to consider the options that are available to deal with transport problems in Llanbedr. "We've already given £0.5 million to Cyngor Gwynedd to continue with the design development. Then, what will need to be done is that they will then need to convince and work with the CJC to make the case for that funding coming to Llanbedr." Mabon ap Gwynfor MS added: "In her response the First Minister said that a pot of £100m was being provided to local authorities across north Wales for transport infrastructure and that Gwynedd will have to argue the case for £32m of this pot. It's the Welsh government that pulled the plug on Llanbedr's shovel-ready plans four years ago, therefore it is their responsibility to now ensure that the relief road is fully funded and goes ahead without further delay." Local councillor Gwynfor Owen added: "I am grateful to our Member of Senedd Mabon ap Gwynfor for raising this matter with the First Minister today. The issue of the Llanbedr Relief Road is of utmost importance for the area, for safety reasons as well as for economic opportunities for the future. If the Welsh Government want to show that they are a government for the whole of Wales they should immediately guarantee the funding that this project needs." Cyngor Gwynedd Leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: 'This on-going saga at Llanbedr is ruining people's day to day life in the village itself. Walkers are being put at risk due to the inadequacies of the road infrastructure not fit for 21st century use and the environmental effects of heavy traffic at standstill regularly at the village during busy periods is a serious cause for concern. "In addition, the economic impact this inferior road infrastructure is having on this rural area has been an issue since the late 1950s. It is high time that this Labour Government did what is needed, take decisive action now.'
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Traffic ruining people's day to day life and Welsh Government should fund solution'
Backers of the Llanbedr bypass will need to bid for cash from a new regional transport body rather than get direct funding from Welsh Government. A £14m bypass for Llanbedr was given the go-ahead in March 2020 but then scrapped in November 2021 following a climate change roads review by the government. The problem with traffic congestion has not gone away and always becomes more acute in the summer months. Welsh Government has said a new 'low-speed' road plan to relieve pressure from the village centre could still be on the table - putting forward £400,000 for work to progress proposals. Consultants WSP worked in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd and civil engineering consultancy YGC to finalise the potential options for improvements in and around Llanbedr. This included an updated design for a potential new road to the west of Llanbedr. A "material start" was also made on parts of the previously approved scheme to ease the way when it comes to planning. But this week the First Minister said any bid for funding would now need to be made to a newly formed Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales, made up of local authorities. This has been allocated £100m to be used in the region on transport. But Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor says the government should be directly funding the scheme after pulling the plug on the original project. Speaking in the Senedd, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: "A fortnight ago, you were celebrating the fact that you'd asked for a specific amount of funding form the Westminster government through the Spending Review and that you'd received the money that you'd asked for. "Last week I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Transport why a bid wasn't made for funding for plans in northwest Wales and the response I got was that it wasn't that simple – you need plans that are operational within three years and that's why bids hadn't been made. You will be aware of the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme – it was your government that withdrew funding for the Llanbedr bypass originally, and therefore it's your government that has prevented those plans from being developed. "It was a plan – if implemented and if the funding was in place – it could be operational by 2027. There is no excuse as to why that cannot proceed, apart from the fact that you're not funding it. Will you make a commitment today that you support the Llanbedr Bypass Scheme and that you're willing to find the monies to ensure that Gwynedd Council can proceed with that programme as soon as possible." First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Well, the Labour Government is eager to ensure that local leaders do have a greater say on which roads, and so forth, that should be developed. "That's why we're going to ensure that financial allocations in the future are based on the decision made by the corporate joint committee. I think that it is important to note the fact that a working group has been established between Cyngor Gwynedd and the Welsh Government and Transport Wales to consider the options that are available to deal with transport problems in Llanbedr. "We've already given £0.5 million to Cyngor Gwynedd to continue with the design development. Then, what will need to be done is that they will then need to convince and work with the CJC to make the case for that funding coming to Llanbedr." Mabon ap Gwynfor MS added: "In her response the First Minister said that a pot of £100m was being provided to local authorities across north Wales for transport infrastructure and that Gwynedd will have to argue the case for £32m of this pot. It's the Welsh government that pulled the plug on Llanbedr's shovel-ready plans four years ago, therefore it is their responsibility to now ensure that the relief road is fully funded and goes ahead without further delay." Local councillor Gwynfor Owen added: "I am grateful to our Member of Senedd Mabon ap Gwynfor for raising this matter with the First Minister today. The issue of the Llanbedr Relief Road is of utmost importance for the area, for safety reasons as well as for economic opportunities for the future. If the Welsh Government want to show that they are a government for the whole of Wales they should immediately guarantee the funding that this project needs." Cyngor Gwynedd Leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: 'This on-going saga at Llanbedr is ruining people's day to day life in the village itself. Walkers are being put at risk due to the inadequacies of the road infrastructure not fit for 21st century use and the environmental effects of heavy traffic at standstill regularly at the village during busy periods is a serious cause for concern. "In addition, the economic impact this inferior road infrastructure is having on this rural area has been an issue since the late 1950s. It is high time that this Labour Government did what is needed, take decisive action now.'
South Wales Argus
01-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Ministers call for legal minimum NHS staff levels in Wales
Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru's shadow health secretary, proposed a bill to establish a minimum baseline of dentistry staff across Wales based on population need. The bill would introduce a duty for health boards to calculate and take all reasonable steps to maintain dentistry staff levels, according to the motion debated on April 30. Mr ap Gwynfor warned NHS Wales dentistry services are 'staring down the barrel' of an existential crisis 'and without urgent action it's unlikely to survive for much longer'. He pointed to a near-40 per cent reduction in dentistry work within the NHS over the past decade. Mr ap Gwynfor warned so-called dental deserts are 'spreading at an alarming pace', with access to NHS treatment becoming a scarce luxury. 'Desperate times demand a willingness to consider radical alternatives,' he said. Llŷr Gruffydd told the Senedd that six dental practices in his North Wales region have handed back their NHS contracts over the past six months. 'I'm afraid that the trend shows no sign of abating,' he said, expressing concerns about Rhos dental practice, near Wrexham, introducing a £230-a-year preventative service. Mr Gruffydd claimed: 'So, once again, this Labour government's actions are actually pushing more people into having to pay for basic dental care even within an NHS practice.' Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds supported the motion which would seek to emulate the Nurse Staffing Levels Act 2016 introduced by her predecessor Kirsty Williams. Jeremy Miles, Wales' health secretary, pointed out that most dentists are commissioned via private businesses rather than employed by health boards as with nurses. Recognising the challenges facing NHS dentistry in Wales and across the UK, he argued: 'To improve NHS dentistry and to improve access … we must deliver a new general dental services contract. This, in fact, is the single most important thing that we can do.' Mr Miles said proposed reforms would bring NHS dental services into the 21st century. Senedd members voted 28-2 in favour of the motion, with 17 abstentions but the proposal is unlikely to proceed without Labour ministers' support.
