Monthly Archive
Plaid AM vows to fight on in playing fields battle
Plaid Cymru AM Dai Lloyd has said that he will continue to fight to introduce a measure designed to help communities keep their playing fields.
The Plaid AM for South Wales West was reacting to a committee report released which suggested that the measure shouldn’t be allowed to become law.
Dai Lloyd AM is seeking to introduce new legislation to the Assembly which would place a duty on local authorities to consult communities before selling any playing fields for development. Dr Lloyd hopes to persuade AMs to support his measure when it comes before the whole Assembly for a vote.
Dr Dai Lloyd said:
“Clearly I am disappointed by the committee’s report, but the fight is far from over. I believe passionately that playing fields are vital community assets. In an age when we are being encouraged to do more sport and physical exercise, playing fields offer a free and easy access to physical activity. Furthermore they give children somewhere to get together and kick a ball around, something that could cause a nuisance if done elsewhere.
“The only way that I can ensure that this matter is dealt with is by introducing this measure. Therefore I am determined not to let these communities down and to continue fighting to get the measure introduced; I will now be taking the battle to the Senedd when the measure is debated in plenary.”
Local Councils should have scrutiny powers over Health Service - Plaid AM
Local Councils should be given the legal powers to scrutinise NHS Trusts, says Plaid’s Local Government Spokesperson Dr. Dai Lloyd AM.
Dr. Lloyd spoke out as the consultation on the future of Community Health Councils (CHCs) in Wales closed on Friday (April 24th).
Health Minister Edwina Hart is proposing to re-organise the Health Service in Wales by creating 7 CHCs and 23 Area Associations, generally co-terminus with local authority boundaries (apart from Powys which is divided into 2 areas).
Dr. Lloyd stated:
“Local Authorities are already carrying out a key scrutiny function in terms of health partnerships locally via their Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Boards.
“Local Councils are already well placed to act as the patients’ champion in that their membership is directly elected every 4 years. In stark contrast, the current Community Health Councils, while carrying out some good work in some areas, are unelected, and so there is a local democratic deficit.
“Surely, services best reflect the wishes of the local population when those making the decisions can be replaced via the ballot box. I know that Councillors already take up health issues on behalf of their constituents as part of their regular case work and so are in tune with the health issues that face the local population.
“These Area Associations run the risk of creating duplication.”
Dr. Lloyd added:
“Joint working between Councils and NHS Trusts happens on so many levels already. They work together on the new Local Service Boards and work together to create local Health and Well Being Strategies.
“The close working relationship can be seen on other levels too, for example when a patient moves from the acute care sector, say from Morriston Hospital to home.
“Very often, particularly with elderly patients, they will need a social care package from the local authority and so joint working and seamless transition from one sector to the other is vital.
“So much work goes on between the two bodies that it makes sense that the directly elected members of Councils have the opportunity to scrutinise health and social care services in the round to ensure smooth transition through the system.
“I do believe that the proposals with regards to the future of CHCs as they currently stand miss a golden opportunity in terms of trying to plug this local democratic deficit, and also a key opportunity to try and get health and social care working well together.”
Fairwood Hospital Future: Plaid AM calls for further assurances from Trust Chair
Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has called for the Chairman of the ABM University HealthTrust Win Griffiths to clarify the role of Fairwood Hospital for the coming years.
Dr. Lloyd has written to Health Minister Edwina Hart, asking for re-assurances over the future of the unit, following comments made by ABM’s Acting Chief Executive Calum Campbell, who stated that he had difficulty in seeing a future for the hospital.
In response to Dr. Lloyd, Ms Hart quotes Win Griffiths on Fairwood Hospitals’ future, in which he states that he is concerned about the way in which speculation about the future of Fairwood Hospital has become the subject of media attention in Swansea.
Dr. Lloyd today stated:
“While I share Win Griffiths’ concerns with regards to the way that the future of Fairwood Hospital has become the subject of media attention, it is not crystal clear from his response as to whether Fairwood Hospital will continue to operate in its current form.
“The fact that the Chair of the ABM Trust gives assurances that any proposed changes to Fairwood would be subject to detailed consultation with staff, the Community Health Council, the voluntary sector and other partner organisations, could in itself suggest that changes are planned.
“It would be helpful for patients and staff at Fairwood Hospital if the Trust were to signal its firm intention for Fairwood in the medium to long term, say over the next 5 years, so as to provide clarity of direction and purpose.
“While I appreciate the sentiment behind Win Griffiths’ assurance that any changes would be made subject to full consultation, it is not going to satisfy those of us who have argued that the current elderly care provision needs to be defended due to the unavailability of sufficient community care packages.
“With an ageing population we are going to see an increase in the number of people who will need medical treatment, and while many can be accommodated by community care, there will always be a group of people who are well enough to leave an acute hospital bed, but not well enough to be at home. This is where units such as Fairwood have a vital role to play.”
