Plaid Leader presses for government action over Hywel Dda mismanagement
21/02/2012
Plaid Cymru leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, has today pressed the Labour First Minister on what action his government will take against Local Health Board in light of their repeated failure to manage their budgets.
During First Minister’s questions Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones asked:
“Over the last three financial years, Hywel Dda has already been bailed out to the tune of over £67m, more than any other LHB, and they keep coming back for more. This year, despite an additional allocation, they are forecasting a further deficit of £4m. It is little wonder that clinicians at Bronglais and the public in Llanelli have no confidence in the Hywel Dda LHB? Do you have confidence in them First Minister?
“Hywel Dda LHB has failed to keep within its budget in any year since it was formed? Isn’t it obvious that spending is out of control there, and there is no guarantee that they will keep within their budget in the future? The Health Minister has said the ultimate sanction would be to replace a health board if it cannot handle its finances. Are you prepared to do that in the case of Hywel Dda?”
Following questions in the Senedd chamber, Ieuan Wyn Jones added:
“The Labour First Minister failed to answer my questions this afternoon. The repeated failure of Hywel Dda LHB to stay within its budget is of serious concern. It is not acceptable for the First Minister to sit back and do nothing about it.”