ABERCONWY AM accuses Welsh Government of failing to protect local hospitals

During today’s Welsh Conservatives debate on hospital closures and downgrading, Assembly Member for Aberconwy Janet Finch-Saunders told her colleagues that the Welsh Government had failed to act whilst 439 inpatient beds within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area were lost between 2009-10 and 2013-14.

The Member highlighted the loss of services from Llandudno General Hospital such as its endoscopy facility, breast cancer surgery provision and A&E department.

The AM said:

“But perhaps of most significance to my constituents of Aberconwy has been the Welsh Government’s handling of maternity services and neonatal care.”

“Whilst the decision to downgrade this service was taken by BCUHB, the Welsh Labour Government must not be allowed to wash their hands of it.”

The Member noted that the recruitment and retention of NHS staff in Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh Labour Government.  She blamed workforce planning failings for the current situation at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

The Assembly Member added:

“Our NHS staff work tirelessly to provide the highest possible standard of care for patients – but they are at breaking point.”

“This Welsh Labour Government has been warned time and time again about the severity of the recruitment issues faced. Yet I certainly haven’t seen any steps taken to combat them.”

ENDS