NHS Reorganisation (Edwina's personal takeover) - Randerson Comment

4.26.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 30th Sep 2008

Commenting on Edwina Hart's decision to introduce massive political involvement in the day to day running of the NHS, Welsh Lib Dem Health Spokesperson, Jenny Randerson AM said:

"I would imagine that those who have responded to the consultation will be furious as the Minister has completely wasted their time. Why has she bothered to consult when she has now rejected the majority view. She may say that it is not an option in a small country, but what then was the point of offering it as an option in the first place? The reason is that she was going through the motions while always intending to make an announcement that will go down in the records as the most centralising announcement in the Assembly's history.

"She has signalled today that this Government is about control. It's about controlling people's lives and the services that belong to us. I do not trust this Government enough to operate such unprecedented political control over institutions that should be above politics. What has also depressed me is that the Minister has significantly undermined any future consultation.

"I have immense regard for Edwina's energy and abilities but that does not stop me worrying hugely about the scale of this personal takeover.

Politicising the NHS runs counter to the will of a majority in the health sector, and the people of Wales. It will be a disaster in the long term. People should be at the heart of the National Health Service - not politicians!"