NHS Patients in Powys, Wales, Treated as ‘Second-Class Citizens’
Patients in Powys face longer waiting times and financial struggles in healthcare
Powys, Wales, NHS, Healthcare, Waiting Times, James Evans
Powys: Patients in Powys are feeling pretty left out lately. They’re facing longer waiting times for treatment, and it’s making them feel like second-class citizens. The health board is struggling financially, which is only making things worse. James Evans, the shadow health secretary for the Conservatives, is really worried about how the Powys teaching health board plans to fix its budget issues.
Evans, who represents Brecon and Radnorshire, pointed out that the board is asking English providers to slow down treatment for Powys patients to save money. He told the Senedd that this is just going to make things worse. “Powys patients already feel like second-class citizens,” he said, “and these proposals will only deepen those problems.”
He also mentioned that when patients have to wait, they often end up using other services like GPs and A&E because they’re in pain. Russell George, another Conservative from Montgomeryshire, called the situation ‘ludicrous.’ He shared that 60% of his constituents are treated in hospitals across the border in England. It’s hard to believe that patients in the same hospital could be seen slower just because they’re from Wales.
With a crucial health board meeting coming up, George urged Health Secretary Jeremy Miles to take action. Jane Dodds, the leader of the Welsh Lib Dems, is also worried about a £9.4 million shortfall, which could lead to hiring freezes and fewer agency staff.
In response, Miles said the Welsh Government had provided extra funding to the health board before Christmas, but he didn’t share the exact amount. He emphasized that all health boards need to balance their budgets and that timely care is essential.
On January 7, Miles talked about the winter pressures on the NHS, noting a rise in flu cases. He mentioned that over 900 people with flu, Covid-19, and RSV were in hospital beds, which is 20% more than last year. Mabon ap Gwynfor from Plaid Cymru raised concerns about the increasing winter demands on the health service and the declining number of over 65s getting the flu vaccine.
He criticized the Welsh Government for underinvesting in the NHS and mismanaging resources. Lesley Griffiths, a Labour backbencher from Wrexham, also expressed concern about the low flu vaccine uptake among NHS staff and suggested extending eligibility for the free jab to everyone over 55.