A Welsh Government official has blamed the “repatriation” of Welsh patients as a reason for vastly increased orthopaedic waiting lists.
Writing in a letter – passed to Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM – the official cites ‘the repatriation of ‘Welsh’ patients from England’ as a reason for increased orthopaedic waiting times.
It comes as talk continues of an All Wales Blood service, rather than the continuation of English services for some Welsh patients.
Mr Millar has demanded assurances that a “slate curtain” will not be drawn between Welsh patients and health treatment in England.
The Clywd West AM said: “The dangers of putting an end to cross border health services are now in black and white – and straight from the horse’s mouth.
“While Labour appears obsessed with keeping Welsh patients penned in, one of their own government officials blames ‘repatriation’ for a huge rise in waiting lists.
“Ministers need to listen to that admission and take note; their own skewed ideas will add to the huge problems they’ve already created.
“Labour has previously considered forcing neurology patients from North Wales to South, now blood services are under review. What will be next?
“North Wales patients often receive specialist treatment at on a cross border basis, helping them to receive high quality care whilst remaining close to home and loved ones. These are important cross border services which must be maintained.
“Instead of drawing a slate curtain between England and Wales, the Welsh Labour Government should ditch their damaging repatriation policy and put patients first.”
