Swansea East Assembly Member Mike Hedges AM has today welcomed the news that investment in hospital and NHS buildings over the last 6 years has helped to boost the Welsh economy by hundreds of millions of pounds.
The news was revealed by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths AM, during a speech to an audience at the Healthcare Estates Welsh Conference and Exhibition in Cardiff on 26/04/2012. The Health Minister revealed that of the 12,318 people employed since 2006 to carry out the work, nearly 80% were Welsh residents.
Figures released from the Welsh Government show that since 2006, around £363 million has been invested into now completed projects, with around £227 million invested into sites that are currently being developed. The Welsh Government has also committed a further £552 million into projects that are currently in the planning stages.
Speaking on the announcement, Mike Hedges AM said:
“With so many people in Wales dependant on the NHS, whether it be for healthcare or employment, it’s important that we ensure that the right buildings and equipment are available in order to support NHS workers in their jobs as well as deliver essential services to patients.
“Today’s news show that the Welsh Government is committed to building a Welsh NHS with state of the art buildings, equipment, facilities and services, fit for the twenty-first century.
“I’m delighted that both Morriston and Singleton Hospitals in Swansea have benefitted from substantial investment over the years and I look forward to seeing continued NHS investment in Swansea in the near future.
“I also believe that this news shows that the Welsh Government is serious about creating local jobs for local people by working with the Welsh construction sector to achieve this, and I believe that these efforts should be welcomed.”
