Welsh spend per capita on Primary Care was lowest in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in 2015-16, and again in 2016-17.

Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, has expressed her anger and is encouraging the Welsh Government to ensure that more is invested.

Janet said:

“People across North Wales will be extremely disappointed by this finding that the spend per head on primary care in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the lowest in Wales for the second year running.

“For example, an extra £44.91 was spent per head in Cwm Taf University Health Board in 2016-17, which just highlights the financial inequality within the Welsh NHS. 

“During a time when we are seeing escalating pressures on hospital services, what I want to see is the Welsh Government investing even more money per head in our region’s primary care services so to help prevent people from needing secondary care.

“When considering that the Welsh Government is directly responsible for BCUHB, and that in addition to allowing it to spend the least amount of money in Wales per head on primary care services, has not implemented a long term plan to address the region’s GP shortages and closures, it is clear to me that the Welsh Government can easily be doing much more. The importance of primary and preventative public health measures cannot be underestimated, however, why this has to be pointed out again really does amaze me”.

ENDS

Notes

NHS expenditure per head by budget category and year

Betsi waiting lists MORE THAN DOUBLE since board went into special measures

Conservative Government inspires action on Medical School for North Wales

AM puts pressure on Welsh Government to open a medical school in Bangor