In response to HywelDda`s proposed changes to the local health service, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have set up a Working Group under Monica French, the Chair of Carmarthenshire Branch Liberal Democrats. The group have met Dr Phil Kloer, HywelDda’s Medical Director, questioned him about the proposals and they will bring forward their ideas to an open meeting of members from across the 2 counties. The group have also involved Cllr BablinMolik, the Welsh Lib Dem Health Spokesperson.
Alistair Cameron, last year’s Welsh Lib Dem Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembs, said:
“As well as considering the proposals, we need to improve the way health care is delivered such as through combining social care (run by county councils) and health care (run by the NHS). This is necessary to give patients the best possible care and help them to be cared at home to assist their recovery. We must also tackle the appalling disparity in health depending on people’s wealth. The poorest on average have a life expectancy 10 years lower than the richest in our area.
“Funding is important and HywelDdahave a large deficit. Welsh Lib Dems would put an extra penny on income tax to provide an immediate cash injection. This will not solve the problem but it will help. We must also find long term ways to secure NHS funding such as through National Insurance contributions.”
Monica French said:
“The Welsh Lib Dems believe that the HywelDdaproposals to reconfigure health care is an opportunity to be grasped, given the ageing population, the health inequalities and the difficulties of recruiting doctors and nurses, to provide a Health Service in the three counties fit for the 21st century.
“The proposals also present major challenges including investing in the transport infrastructure to upgrade the A40.In view of the large number of non drivers, public transport to the proposed new hospital, community hospitals and hubs is a major issue.”
Andrew Lye, Chair of the Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats said:-
“The future of healthcare provision in West Wales affects all of us who live here and the many visitors who come here for their holidays in summer. We all look to our local hospitals and the vital role they provide. We all expect them to be there for our hour of need and we all want better health care services, locally.
“As well as listening to members, we want to listen to views from anyone in our 2 counties. Please contact Alistair Cameron or Monica French with your responses. We intend to produce our own submission to hand to the HywelDda Health Board and to make it public.”
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