Just last week, I received reports that the Maelor Hospital had no cardiac capacity, no beds, one nurse looking after 52 patients in the emergency department. Only the day before, I raised concerns that a 90-year-old constituent had waited 31 hours in the back of an ambulance with the Health Secretary, David TC Davies MP.
The Maelor is in a crisis situation and the Welsh Government’s inaction is shameful. I have called for the Welsh Health Minister to put immediate measures in place to safeguard patients’ lives.
Despite receiving £18 billion a year from the UK Government to run Wales and an additional £170million in the Chancellor’s Spring statement, the Welsh Government neglects crucial areas like health, education, roads, funding our councils. Instead, they allocate £32million to a 20mph policy, £52million to Cardiff airport and £120million to increase Senedd members.
Since my election, I’ve seen countless Wrexham residents facing crises: delayed appointments, difficulty accessing GPs, resorting to payday loans for private medical care, even attempting DIY dentistry due to lengthy waitlists. Despite 4 years of campaigning, the Welsh Government has offered only empty promises and excuses, neglecting their responsibility.
Having returned to nursing during COVID-19 I saw how hard the staff are working and they are being continually let down. I am asking the Welsh Government to step up and show that they are capable of running our health service and Wales.
If you have not done so already, please share your experiences via my ‘Health Survey’ by visiting www.sarah.atherton.org.uk.