Minister should take responsibility for health debt - Jenny Randerson

2.41.37pm GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Following Patricia Hewitt's admission that she takes personal responsibility for balancing the NHS books and plugging the deficit, Jenny Randerson has called on the Welsh Health Minister Brian Gibbons to do the same.

Mrs Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson said: "I welcome the news that the Minister in Westminster is taking personal responsibility for addressing NHS debt, but I will be asking Brian Gibbons if he intends to do the same in Wales.

"Welsh NHS debts amounted to £30 million last year. There are also historic debts of more than £80 million, but when we ask Brian Gibbons about these debts he lays the blame firmly on the Local Health Boards and Health Trusts.

"It's about time that Brian Gibbons made the same commitment rather than blaming debts on NHS Trusts and Local Health Board management."

Notes/Nodiadau:

Patricia Hewitt was questioned during the Health Select Committee. Liberal Democrat Sandra Gidley asked if the health secretary's job was "on the line" if the NHS did not break even.

Patricia Hewitt replied: "I have said that we will return the NHS as a whole to financial balance by the end of March next year and I take personal responsibility." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6168926.stm

Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson has asked the Health Minister the following question:

Does the Minister intend to take personal responsibility for NHS debts in the same way that the Secretary of State in England has announced that she will? If so, how does he intend to change procedures for Welsh Assembly Government accountability for NHS finances?

Ends/Diwedd