North Powys at risk as Paramedic recruitment crisis unfolds

Concerns are growing over the future of ambulance services in North Powys after it was revealed that only 20 of this year’s 67 paramedic graduates in Wales will be offered jobs, despite Welsh Government funding for 86 to be trained. 

The figures, uncovered by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, have prompted alarm from local politicians, who warn that already stretched ambulance services in rural areas like Montgomeryshire could be pushed to breaking point.

Glyn Preston, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate for Gwynedd Maldwyn (Gwynedd & Montgomeryshire), has criticised the Welsh Government for failing to implement its workforce investment plan.

“This is a completely wasted opportunity,” he said. “The NHS is our top priority as Welsh Liberal Democrats. Having already paid for the training, it is a no-brainer that the Welsh Government should seize this opportunity to give Paramedics more support and resources across Wales.

“It is vital that the Welsh Government act with urgency before these Paramedics are lost to NHS Wales. Rural areas like Newtown and North Powys can’t afford to miss out - response times are already under pressure, and this decision could have serious consequences for local residents in urgent need.”

Figures show that ambulance response times across Wales remain at critical levels. More than half of ‘red calls’ - the most life-threatening emergencies - are not being met within the Welsh Government’s own target times. A third of ‘amber calls’, which include heart attacks and strokes, are taking over an hour to reach.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, Jane Dodds MS, called the situation a scandal.

“It is shocking, despite funding 86 paramedic students to be trained, that less than half will be recruited,” she said. “At a time when paramedics are desperately needed to help improve ambulance response times, that so few are to be hired is a scandal.

“The Welsh Government should now step in and ensure that these trained and qualified paramedics are hired to relieve the strain on the Welsh Ambulance Service.”

Jane Dodds, who raised the issue with Health Secretary Jeremy Miles, said the decision defied logic at a time when pressure on the NHS is at an all-time high.

Campaigners and residents in Montgomeryshire have long raised concerns about emergency response coverage in remote areas of Powys, where long travel times and workforce shortages can severely delay critical care.

With just 20 of 67 trained paramedics being hired, health campaigners warn that unless the Welsh Government steps in, rural services could further decline.