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.