Plaid welcome One Wales commitment on Neurosurgery
Plaid AMs Dr. Dai Lloyd and Bethan Jenkins have welcomed reassurances from First Minister Rhodri Morgan that the One Wales Government is committed to retaining Neurosurgery Services at Morriston Hospital.
Fears have this week surfaced over the possible threat to the Neurosurgery Unit, with ABM NHS Trust stating that they are facing an ‘acute’ problem in August in Neurosurgery, related to the inability to recruit middle-grade doctors in the highly specialised area.
Dr. Lloyd and Ms Jenkins both today asked for assurances from the First Minister on the floor of the Assembly that Neurosurgery services would continue to be provided in Swansea.
Dr. Lloyd stated:
“The First Minister once again re-affirmed the One Wales Government’s clear commitment to keep the Neurosurgery Unit at Swansea. This is a key pledge for us in South Wales West and even though previous Conservative and Liberal Democrat Health Spokespersons have voted against keeping the service at Swansea, we in Plaid are pleased that we have remained firm in our defence of the service.
“Clearly, the short-term issues in terms of recruitment of middle grade doctors is something that the Trust is going to have to address, and I am certain that the One Wales Government will do all that it can to help ensure that this is addressed successfully.”
Bethan Jenkins added:
“The fact that the ABM Trust is holding talks with colleagues in Cardiff is to be welcomed. The vision set out by the One Wales Government is of a single Neurosurgery service on two sites – Swansea and Cardiff, and this is a clear example of the kind of co-operation that will be necessary to deliver a safe and effective service to the people of South, Mid and West Wales.”
