Commenting on warnings from the Health Affairs Select Committee that the NHS in England faces challenging times, despite its funding receiving protected status from the Treasury, Nick Ramsay AM, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services, said:
“This report makes worrying reading for the NHS in Wales, where Labour-Plaid continues to refuse calls to protect the NHS budget.
“Despite having its funding protected by the UK Coalition Government, the NHS in England is going to be challenged to make efficiency savings.
“With cuts to its budget of £435million this year and plans for a further £1billion cut over the next three years, the Welsh NHS is going to be in an even worse position.
“In many key health indicators Wales remains one of the poorest nations and regions of the UK, with ‘scandalously bad’ stroke services, underfunded hospices and growing waiting lists.
“Welsh Conservatives would protect the NHS budget so we can afford to invest in frontline services.
“By cutting the NHS Labour-Plaid is taking serious risks with the nation’s health.”
