A Pembrokeshire councillor has launched a scathing attack on the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care - urging the Labour Party MP to address ‘pressing issues’ within the NHS in Wales and to consider ‘comprehensive reforms’.

In an open letter to he Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP (as well as prime minister Keir Starmer; and Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan) Conservative county councillor for Pembrokeshire’s wards of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) and St Florence, Cllr Rhys Jordan stated: “Am I the only one already sick to death of waking up to what I perceive as hypocrisy in your public statements?

“As a councillor deeply committed to the health and well-being of our community, I feel compelled to address the criticisms you direct at the NHS in England while seemingly overlooking the challenges facing the NHS in Wales, where your own party has been in power for the past 25 years,” stated Cllr Jordan, who is also Pembrokeshire Council's Wellbeing Champion, in his correspondence.

“Under Labour's prolonged governance, the Welsh NHS has struggled with longer waiting times, staff shortages, and limited resources.

“Patients in Wales often wait significantly longer for essential treatments and consultations compared to those in England. These issues represent real people facing delays in receiving critical healthcare services.

“Our NHS doesn't simply need more money; it needs total reform. Pouring additional funds into a system burdened by inefficiencies is unlikely to yield the improvements we all desire.

“Perhaps it is time to look to successful models abroad, such as the French healthcare system, which could offer valuable insights for enhancing our own.

“The French model combines universal healthcare with a mix of public and private providers, underpinned by a mandatory health insurance system.

“This approach encourages competition, increases efficiency, and reduces waiting times without compromising the quality of care. Importantly, insurance schemes in France are designed to be inclusive, with government subsidies and income-based contributions ensuring that even those on low incomes have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage.

“Adopting a similar model in the UK could maintain the principle of universal healthcare while introducing mechanisms to make the system more responsive and patient-centred.

“Insurance-based funding could alleviate the strain on public finances and allow for more sustainable healthcare spending in the long term.

“For individuals on low incomes, government support and regulated insurance premiums would ensure that healthcare remains accessible and affordable. Such a system would not leave anyone behind but would aim to create a more equitable and efficient NHS for all.

“It's time for an honest conversation about the future of our healthcare system. Clinging to outdated models while expecting different results is impractical. We need bold, pragmatic solutions that prioritise patient care over political point-scoring.

“I urge you and The Labour Party to address the pressing issues within the NHS in Wales and to consider comprehensive reforms.

“Only by embracing meaningful change can we hope to build a healthcare system that truly serves the needs of everyone in the United Kingdom,” added Cllr Jordan.