A Mid Wales Assembly Member has questioned the First Minister on access to specialist treatment for stroke patients in Mid Wales.
Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, raised the issue directly with the First Minister in the National Assembly for Wales.
Emergency treatment for stroke patients moved to Telford in 2013 but some patients were still attending the Shrewsbury site for rehabilitation. However, stroke patients in Shropshire & Mid Wales will now no longer be able to receive specialist treatment at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
After questioning the First Minister, Mr George said:
“Having the best possible healthcare for our area is the most pressing issue which is raised with me and there is a deep frustration that access to healthcare is moving further away from our communities.
“I have long been arguing for services to be focused on Shrewsbury, rather than Telford, which is too far away for the people of Montgomeryshire.
“I have asked the First Minister to be more proactive in pressing the case for stroke services to be retained in Shrewsbury so that patients in Mid Wales have adequate access to specialist rehabilitation as close as possible to home.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Record of Proceedings
First Minister’s Questions – 12/07/16
Russell George
How is the Welsh Government improving access to health services in Montgomeryshire?
Carwyn Jones
The First Minister
We continue to work with the health board and other partners in Wales to take a range of actions to improve access to healthcare services that are safe and sustainable and as close to people’s homes as possible.
Russell George
Thank you. I welcome that answer in that case, First Minister. You may be aware that stroke patients in mid Wales are no longer able to access special treatment from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital following a reconfiguration of services, which has resulted in services moving further away to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. Can I ask you what discussions your Government has had with the UK Government, and with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, to press the case for specialist services to be retained in Shropshire? And, can I also ask you what your Government is doing to ensure that mid Wales stroke patients have adequate access to this specialist service?
Carwyn Jones
The First Minister
I’m aware, of course, of the proposals. We expect, as a Government, that the relevant stakeholders on our side of the border are involved in any potential changes. I know Powys Teaching Local Health Board has been very involved in representing the concerns of residents, and I understand there will be further work taking place for final options to be subject to formal consultation later this year.