North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has urged the Labour Welsh Government to end “the delays and excuses” and deliver the GP surgeries that primary care staff and patients in North Wales communities have long been calling for.
Questioning the First Minister in this afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood criticised the lack of action in progressing the development of new purpose-built surgeries in both Waunfawr, Arfon, and Hanmer, South Wrexham, and asked Eluned Morgan MS what her Government will do to advance the development of community healthcare capacity in the remaining Senedd term.
Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, he said:
“Questioning the Health Secretary here in November, I highlighted the frustration and anger expressed over the lack of progress by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in developing a new purpose-built surgery in Waunfawr, Arfon, to replace the current cramped and unsuitable premises, adding that ‘this is a region-wide issue replicated, for example, in Hanmer Surgery, south Wrexham, who continue to fight a similar battle more than 11 years after the existing building was declared unfit for purpose. The delays, excuses and errors behind this only add to the Primary Care shortage in North Wales, and the impact that this has on the region's Accident and Emergency Departments’.
“Although creating a new surgery via ‘progressive theoretical stages’ was proposed at a subsequent meeting between the Health Board and Hanmer Surgery, concern was expressed to me that this could once again fall victim to the Health Board's, quote, 'inflexible thinking and rigid administrative procedures'.
“When, if ever, in its few remaining weeks, will your (Welsh) Government ensure active engagement with Primary Care practitioners, Patient groups and Professional Bodies to deliver on their evidenced calls for the development of community capacity across North Wales?”
In her response, the First Minister failed to answer Mr Isherwood’s question and instead just referred to the “extra funding that has gone in (to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board) from the Welsh Government”.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood added:
“The truth of the matter is that the Welsh Government was the only Government in UK history ever to cut an NHS Budget in real terms.
“As I have previously stated, these Practices and their patients have waited long enough and deserve a resolution.
“The Welsh Government needs to work constructively with GPs, Clinicians and communities to turn long-delayed plans into reality.”
