Despite being the only country in the UK where the NHS budget is not being protected, Wales’ First Minister continues to refuse Wales the same life-prolonging commitment; now comparing it to “living in cloud cuckoo land”.
Carwyn Jones made the remark after being questioned by the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly.
The Labour-Plaid government is cutting our NHS to the tune of £1 billion over the next three years. It means initiatives that can keep patients alive for longer – such as England’s Cancer Drugs Fund – will not be available in Wales.
Welsh Conservatives have pledged to prioritise health, protect that money and cut elsewhere.
Nick Bourne AM said: “Perhaps during the next three years the First Minister would like to explain to cancer patients refused drugs they could get in England, where health IS protected, why wishing to live longer is like ‘living in cloud cuckoo land’.
“What Welsh Conservatives are pledging is not fantasy that can be batted away with glib remarks. This is a very serious policy that could change the lives of patients suffering from illness.
“We need to root out the waste, re-invest, and stop the cuts.
“Right now Wales has the highest mortality rate for cancer in the UK and the highest childhood obesity rates in the UK. Diabetes, heart disease and smoking rates are all well above the UK average as well.
“It is clear that this is a health service ill-equipped to cope with further reductions.
“What we need is a world-class NHS. If that’s living in ‘cloud cuckoo land’, we need to rid ourselves of Labour-Plaid once and for all.
“In his 2009 leadership manifesto, Carwyn Jones stated ‘I love the NHS and will defend it against any attack’.
“If you love our NHS Carwyn, it’s time to change your mind and stop the cuts.”
