GP recruitment problems – Update

NOTICE OF MOTION PASSES AT LLANELLI TOWN COUNCIL…

Proposed by Councillor Sean Rees

The motion was also seconded by Councillor John Jenkins.

Wording of the motion:

“That Llanelli Town Council writes to Hywel Dda Local Health Board and to Vaughan Gething, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing expressing our concerns regarding the problems being experienced by local surgeries recruiting GPs”.

Plaid Cymru Llanelli Town Councillor, Sean Rees said:

“I’m very pleased that the motion has been passed. These issues have been raised time and time again with the Welsh Labour Government and Hywel Dda Local Health Board. We now have to ask the question when are those who are in a position to do so going to take some responsibility.

“Unfortunately the situation at Ty Elli surgery is just the latest in a series of GP shortages with recent problems also experienced in Burry Port, Kidwelly, Trimsaran, Pontyates and in the Llanelli Town area.

“Our NHS staff are doing their best despite the pressures that they face but they need support. This week marks 69 years since the NHS was created. Wales, of course was the birthplace of our cherished NHS and we are rightly proud of that contribution. I will never forget its founding principles of being free and accessible to all.”

SUMMARY:

An amendment was put forward to invite a representative from the Health Board to a future Town Council meeting.

An additional amendment from the Labour group was to write to the Labour AM for Llanelli to take up this issue. Given its importance, I would have thought he would have been on the case already but there we go!

In the end the progressive motion as worded with the added amendments received unanimous cross-party support.