Rhodri's dithering reveals lack of firm planning on walk-in centres

3.00.09pm GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Jenny Randerson is concerned that Government plans are not moving forward

Cardiff Central AM and Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Jenny Randerson has expressed disappointment at Rhodri Morgan's reaction when pressed on the Government's plans for NHS walk-in centres in Wales.

The First Minister's answer followed a question by Jenny Randerson, in which she repeated calls for the first walk-in centre to be situated in Cardiff to alleviate the specific problems caused by its status as the capital city.

Rhodri Morgan refused to be drawn on a location, short of it being in an urban area, and wouldn't even commit to the form the centre would take.

Jenny Randerson said: "Like many people, I was excited by the Health Minister's commitment some weeks ago to finally get going on a longstanding commitment to creating walk-in centres in Wales, made during a Welsh Liberal Democrat debate in the last Assembly. At the time, I called on the Minister to choose Cardiff as the site of the first centre to help the capital ease the extra pressures on its health services.

"Rhodri failed to commit to a venue, but worse than that, failed to even give an indication of the remit and organisation of the centres. It is clear that planning for this is much further behind than everyone was hoping. Government action on this commitment is long overdue and I hope that this is not a sign of more Government dithering on this subject. There is a simple message to the Government: 'Get on with it!'"

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