Plaid Cymru health spokesperson Helen Mary Jones AM has warned that freezing the health budget in Wales would have a devastating impact on the health of the nation.
Ms Jones called for a new way to look at health in Wales in the lead up to the Welsh budget and described the ‘ConDem’ approach of ring-fencing health as naïve if not cynical. The Plaid Cymru AM for Llanelli said that Health is about a lot more than hospitals, adding that in order to create a healthier nation the Welsh government must also invest in tackling the causes of ill health.
Plaid Cymru Health Spokesperson Helen Mary Jones said:
“We really need to think again about how we look at health especially in the lead up to the Welsh budget. It would be a mistake for anyone to assume that ring fencing health in the Welsh budget would necessarily improve or protect the health of the nation. In fact I fear that their decision to do so in England was more about cynically trying to win support than it was about protecting the health service. Ring-fencing health in the Welsh budget shouldn’t be seen as an option. In truth, doing so could decimate other budgets such as education, economic development and housing.
“Plaid Cymru is committed to maintaining and enhancing our national health service. That is why in government we have delivered on our pledges like those to stop the previous Labour administration’s disastrous hospital closure programme and to provide brand new hospitals for many communities. However Plaid Cymru also understands that the health of the nation goes far beyond hospitals and GPs’ surgeries. But our health is also determined by where we live, what we do in our free time, what we learn in school, if we work, where we work and what work we do.
“Health made up over 40% of the last Welsh budget. That means that if it were to be ring-fenced this time round the £5bn ConDem cuts would have to come out of the remaining 60%, out of education, transport, housing and other services essential in maintaining and improving the health of the nation. Plaid in government has proven itself to be the only party that puts the communities of Wales first with a determination to protect them and help them to flourish. This determination was demonstrated by how we reacted to the economic storm, taking immediate action to protect Welsh workers and their families. This time round we are determined to shield the communities of Wales from the ConDem axe. We will certainly not be looking to the ConDems for any lessons on looking after the people of Wales.”
