THE UPHEAVAL of Welsh health boards was a “waste” of government funds, according to Conservative leader David Cameron.
Speaking from Venue Cymru, Llandudno, during the Welsh Party Conference, Mr Cameron, promised “more for less” in Wales if he is elected. He said the government’s decision to scrap 22 health boards six years after they were launched to a “great fanfare,” was an act of money-burning.
The speech comes after Conwy’s health boards and health councils were thrown into turmoil. Last year responsibilities of Conwy Local Health Board were assumed by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board as part of the reform of the NHS in Wales. The new health board now span six counties, sparking fears local focus could be lost.
A further health shake-up this year has left Conwy Community Health Council (CCHC) staff and users facing an uncertain future. In January Edwina Hart announced 19 CHCs will be dissolved and six will be created in their place. The newly created council would cover Conwy, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. The changes will take place from April 1, but staff felt they had been left in the dark and were concerned many services dedicated to improving Conwy health care may disappear.
Mr Cameron focused on three changes in Wales. He said: “First, tackling the root causes of our social problems so that we can make millions of lives better while at the same time reducing the costs on the state. Second, reforming our public services so we can deliver both choice and efficiency.
“And third, making government more local and more transparent so we cut waste as well as improve outcomes. Let me take each in turn,” he added.
He spoke of a vision for Wales as “more confident,” with public spending under control and “more prosperous” with jobs created. The Conservative leader also said Wales would be “more family-friendly”, with a tax system in place to recognise marriage and give parents more time with children.
Mr Cameron promised to act as “the voice of Welsh people” if he was elected and said he would maintain strong links with the Welsh Assembly.