Randerson Hopes For Stronger Patient Voice on Future Health Service Changes

5.50.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th Sep 2007

Along with stakeholders from a range of health services, North Wales cancer patients need reassurances about the future of their care, according to Jenny Randerson AM, who today scrutinised the Health Minister on the matter.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson was speaking following the news that an Independent Review has recommended that Llandudno Hospital should not be developed as a North Wales breast surgery centre and that the Neurosurgery issue will be reviewed by Mr. James Steers.

Jenny Randerson said: "The Llandudno recommendation is hugely controversial. Local campaigners who I met this summer have fought hard to keep breast cancer services at Llandudno

"It is clear that locally based community services must be fully operational if Llandudno loses this highly regarded facility.

"Health Consultation across Wales is continually botched. Documents fail to make clear how services will be maintained to the same levels. People need to 'see and touch' how their needs will be met in the event of change.

"There needs to be a consensus reached through a clear path of decisions that avoids a stalemate on vital decisions such as neurosurgery services."

Notes:

Mr. James Steers is a consultant neurosurgeon based in Edinburgh and past President of the Society of British Neurosurgeons

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