Politicians Concerns at appointment of ‘consultant’

Llanelli AM Keith Davies and MP Nia Griffith have raised concerns over the appointment of an ‘independent consultant’ to advise on change to health service delivery in the mid and west Wales region.

A recent Freedom of Information request seen by the AM and MP has revealed that Sir Jonathan Asbridge will receive £8,000 each month for 8 days work plus a further payment for travel expenses.

Keith Davies AM said:”This appointment raises several very important questions. Firstly, on what basis was the appointment made, who made the final decision and where is the money coming from to fund this temporary position to the Health Board?

“I shall be raising my concerns with the Health Board and also with the Minister. The Health Board has, since early last year, spent significant time and money working on its plans for the future. These plans have already been completed. What further advice could they now require apart from listening to the views of patients?”

Nia Griffith MP said:”This is frankly a misuse of limited funds. The Health Board has been told to reduce its overspend significantly as the Welsh Government can no longer continue to bail it out. At a time when it is reducing bed capacity across the health board area, many people will find this sort of appointment as an unnecessary luxury. It raises serious questions about the Health Board’s priorities since the current management team have taken charge.”

“I held a doorstep surgery in town last week. Time and again the main concern for Llanelli residents has been the perceived threat to our local hospital, and the way they are currently trying to close ward 5 is confirming people’s worst fears that the Health Board is taking little notice of either patients or staff.”

Sir Jonathon Asbridge has worked previously with the current Hywel Dda Health Board Chief Executive Trevor Purt on implementing a programme for change to NHS services in the north west of England.

Keith DaviesAM added: “I am lead to believe that Sir Jonathan is currently undertaking a fact finding mission about the Health Board and the area. I would like to extend a Llanelli welcome to Sir Jonathan to visit the town and to meet local patients so he can be fully aware of how important Prince Philip Hospital is to the people of this town and the surrounding area.”