No closures without real healthcare when you need it

2.22.29pm GMT Mon 29th Jan 2007

Hospital services will not be re-organised without first setting out the alternative community provision to replace them under a Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Government.

That was the promise today from Jenny Randerson AM, the party's health spokesperson, as she launched a policy document entitled "Healthcare when you need it" (attached). The party is putting the focus on extending and improving access to health services in the community to put the patient first.

The document pulls together Welsh Liberal Democrat policies for a modern ambulance service, more responsive accident & emergency services and improved community healthcare. It sets out policy for the remainder of the Assembly and beyond.

Mrs Randerson said:

"One of the most alarming aspects of Labour's mismanagement of the health service in Wales has been the way public confidence has eroded in the most urgent kinds of care. That's why we're focused on putting the patient first by delivering healthcare when it's needed.

"That means making the ambulance service fit for purpose with modern vehicles, more power for paramedics and linking them with the most appropriate health centre. It means no hospital re-organisation without the plans for alternative provision being in place, having listened to patients and shared budgets between the NHS and Social Services to deal with bed-blocking. It means health hubs that are one-stop shops for healthcare and well-being services and targeted health MOTs to check up on people before they are ill, preventing more radical treatment at a later stage.

"Too many people go to our accident and emergency departments, when their ailments are far from urgent. Nurse-led walk-in centres could deal with so much treatment which is urgent, but not by any stretch of the imagination an emergency.

"As party health spokesperson I speak regularly with Wales' health professionals. I know how much they give, and how much they care about what they do. As politicians we owe it to them to do better. To give them the tools they need to give us the healthcare we need, when we need it."

Contact/Cyswllt: Gareth Price on 07976 898285