Health Minister has more reviews than a WMC musical - Randerson Comments

3.57.00pm GMT Wed 28th Nov 2007

Commenting on the Health Minister has taken the decision to undertake a review to take stock of progress in the Ambulance Service, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM said : "I welcome the clean brush approach that the Minister with her numerous reviews but I am concerned that there will soon be a new health waiting list - waiting for all these reviews to report. There are now reviews on neurosurgery, renal dialysis, a series of regional reconfiguration reviews, a review of A&E provision in Llanelli and a review of Health Commission Wales. Mrs Hart has got more reviews than a new show at the Millennium Centre.

"Looking at the ambulance service I am concerned that constant reviews may act as a distraction especially given the pressures the service experiences during the winter months.

"I am pleased to see that the air ambulance is getting the attention that it deserves as it can play a key role in meeting the needs of communities with under pressure land ambulance services. The service can be expensive so it is important to keep a close eye on it.

"Only time will tell whether any of these reviews will help achieve real on the ground (or in the air) improvements."

The review will be led by Stuart Fletcher, Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Trust (WAST). Another review will cover the Air Ambulance Service.

Ends/diwedd