THE LIB DEMS have criticised the Welsh Labour Government over potential further cuts at Powys Teaching Health Board, accusing them of imposing deep cuts and failing to properly fund health services in rural areas.
A recruitment freeze, fewer agency and locum staff, and intentionally increasing waiting times for elective activities such as operations and outpatient appointments in English hospitals are among the measures set to be discussed at a meeting on Friday (January 10) as Powys Teaching Health Board grapples with a £9.4m budget deficit.
The Liberal Democrats have been particularly critical of plans that could see reduced treatment or longer waiting lists for services in England. They highlighted that just last summer, Welsh Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens had celebrated plans to drive down waiting lists in Wales by treating more patients in England.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Member Jane Dodds said: “I am deeply disappointed by the news that Powys Teaching Health Board will once again be forced to make cuts due to the financial mismanagement of the Welsh Labour Government.
“We cannot expect our health boards to function under these relentless pressures. The Welsh Government must understand that it is not the responsibility of staff and patients to clean up their financial mess.
“This situation cannot continue. We must ensure that our healthcare services in Powys receive adequate funding to meet the medical needs of residents.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor, and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, added:
“We have already seen unacceptable cuts to local health services in recent years, including the downgrading of Minor Injuries Units just months ago. Expecting communities to endure even more cuts is entirely unsustainable.
“Only a few months ago, the Welsh Secretary promised to use English hospitals to reduce waiting times. Now, we face the prospect of a significant reduction in those very services.
“Welsh Labour must stop imposing these drastic cuts and properly fund healthcare services in Powys. This means acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in rural areas.
“I will continue to stand up for my constituents’ right to access timely and local healthcare services without unnecessary delays.”
