Cross-border Healthcare Welsh Government Policy 2023-10-18
2023-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The disparity in healthcare services between Wales and England, with Welsh patients facing longer waiting times compared to those in England.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Welsh Government policy on health authorities on cross-border healthcare. The NHS worker sees stark realities of disparity, with over 27,000 patients waiting over two years for treatment in Wales versus about 280 in England.
The Health Secretary has offered to consider requests from the Welsh Government to use alternate providers in England to reduce waiting lists. The offer still stands for patients stuck on waiting lists.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or concrete actions to help reduce patient waiting lists in Wales were not provided beyond mentioning an ongoing offer.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Welsh Labour Government facing budget cuts for the NHS while spending on other initiatives.
Does the Minister find it extraordinary that the Welsh Labour Government are looking at spending £122 million on new politicians and £33 million on a blanket 20 mph speed limit, while reducing funding for the NHS?
The Labour Welsh Government are prioritising spending on more politicians and an unpopular 20 mph speed limit, leading to less funding for NHS and education. They should invest in important capital projects such as the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or concrete actions to address NHS budget cuts were not provided, instead focusing on political priorities of the Welsh Government.
Focusing On Spending Priorities Rather Than Direct Nhs Funding
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK government has offered to help reduce patient waiting lists in Wales, but these offers have not been accepted.
Will the Minister confirm that the offer to help reduce patient waiting lists for important medical procedures still stands and patients in Wales have not been forgotten by the UK Government?
The offer from the Department of Health and Social Care to help reduce patient waiting lists still stands. The Minister is encouraged to confirm acceptance of this offer for tens of thousands of patients.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy