Cuts to GP services could create severe unintended consequences - Randerson

11.28.22am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th Jun 2007

Jenny Randerson has today warned that decisions by Cardiff LHB regarding the commissioning of enhanced GP services in Cardiff may lead to severe additional pressures elsewhere in the NHS.

Welsh Lib Dem Health spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM, said "Because of Cardiff LHBs difficult financial position additional GP services related to nursing homes, asylum seekers, mental health and learning disabilities are under threat. It is alleged that no real clinical risk assessment of the effects of these decisions has been undertaken. Any reduction in service levels may have serious unintended consequences.

"Enhanced Services are potentially being given fewer resources for the same roles or being scrapped altogether. I recognise that Cardiff LHB is under pressure to make savings but I believe that these services are cost effective. These proposed 'savings' could well end up costing the NHS as a whole lot more money overall.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats are passionate about enhanced GP services as we believe that they maximise the effectiveness of GPs. They also relieve the burden on other areas of the NHS such as emergency services."

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