Responding to the Health Secretary’s Statement on Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board (BCUHB), I expressed concern that those waiting more than four hours in A&E has increased by 3 per cent over the last two years, the worst performance of all Local Health Boards.
Last Autumn, BCUHB again stated its intention to transfer additional patients to England, to clear the backlog of orthopaedic patients experiencing unacceptable waits, yet a 30th May letter I received from BCUHB states “the waiting list currently stands at over 105 weeks for elective orthopaedic surgery”.
For the health board to remain in special measures and under direct Welsh Government control after 3 years raises serious questions about the type of leadership and support provided by the Welsh Government. Both the patients and the hard working staff deserve better.
Responding to the Welsh Government Statement ‘Update on the Better Jobs Closer to Home Programme’, I expressed concern that, after 19 years of Labour Welsh Government, Joseph Rowntree Foundation's 'Poverty in Wales 2018' report found that the proportion of households living in income poverty in Wales remains higher than England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and that poverty among couples with children has been rising since 2003. I also referred to the Bevan Foundation statement that a new anti-poverty programme “should be co-produced by communities and professionals, and not be directed top-down.
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Following the Welsh Government announcement of the new operator to run the Wales and Borders Rail Franchise, I questioned the First Minister over planned new rail services into Wrexham.
Questioning the Economy Secretary following news that Arla’s milk processing site in Llandyrnog would be closed, I called for Welsh Government action to help provide security for the employees.
I also called for a Welsh Government Statement on electrical safety and older people in Wales, where Electrical Safety First state that they have not seen any further progress by the Welsh Government since launching their report ‘How can we keep older people in Wales safe’ in the Assembly over six months ago.
Assembly engagements included Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales, National Glaucoma Awareness Week, and Welsh NHS Confederation.
North Wales engagements included the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Awards, and meetings with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and representatives of the Autism Community, with Indycube’s North Wales Connector, providing co-working space for freelancers and the self-employed, and to discuss the regeneration of Buckley Town Centre.
If you need my help, please email mark.isherwood@assembly.wales or ring 0300 200 7217.