The new Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly has completed his first full day in the position by visiting the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.
During a tour of the site’s maternity services, Andrew RT Davies spoke to midwives, nurses and managers in the department.
Mr Davies said: “The hard work of NHS staff in this hospital – and right across Wales – is unquestionable.
“The hours put in by all health professionals – along with the unyielding commitment they show on a daily basis – is exemplary.
“For me – it was incredibly important that I saw NHS staff in action again on my first full day as Leader.
“Health is a number one priority for the Welsh Conservatives. I want to make sure staff are properly supported and get a level of backing that is equivalent to the immense amount of effort they put in.
“Let’s not forget – this is a budget that will lose out to the tune of one billion pounds over the next three years. That’s money the health service won’t get. In other words – it’s a cut. It’s a cut by Labour in Wales. And it’s a cut that will threaten frontline services and make the staff’s job harder still.
“We would protect that budget in line with inflation.
“The Health Minister suggests waiting lists are in shape. They’re not. They’re getting worse and they went up again this week.
“While the birth rate rises, the number of midwives goes down. I will wholeheartedly support the Royal College of Midwives and its call for more staff. It’s common sense.
“The hard work I’ve seen today at the Royal Gwent Hospital is just one part of our treasured NHS in Wales. I want it put back at the top of the Welsh Labour government’s list of priorities.”
