Welsh Lib Dems warn of dangers of centralisation in NHS reorganisation.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Apr 2008

NHS reconfiguration could mean decisions being centralised

The Welsh Lib Dems today warned the Assembly Government to tread very carefully when reorganising NHS structures in Wales. Speaking in an opposition debate, the party called on the Assembly Government to tread carefully in order not to remove patients and clinicians voices on the ground.

Under the Minister's proposals for the reduction in numbers of NHS Trusts and LHBs, a plan for a national NHS board is set out. The Welsh Lib Dems believe that the board has the potential to centralise considerable power in the hands of the Minister.

Health Spokesperson, Jenny Randerson said: "We accept that at the moment some LHBs are struggling because they are too small but the great strength of the current system is that LHBs share borders with Local Government. This means easier working for reducing bed-blocking and cross working between health and social care."

"We have concerns that by creating bigger LHBs and the creation of an all-Wales Board, the Assembly Government will be taking power further away from people and closer to the power of politicians."

"The Minister has to be very careful with this process. By all means the system has to be looked at, but we do not want to see a move away from patients and clinicians towards politicians."

Notes:

Ends/