The Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire has revealed ‘shocking results’ of health care across the county, which he says will see him push further for change.
After months of discussions, MP Henry Tufnell said that he met with Hywel Dda University Health Board representatives this month to present what he referred to as the’ shocking results’ of a survey completed by over 1,000 residents across Pembrokeshire and examples from his casework.
The survey results pointed towards:
• 62% wait over a week for GP appointments.
• 43% say a lack of available appointments is their biggest challenge.
• 87% believe healthcare services have worsened in recent years.
Mr Tufnell also said that real stories showed the scale of the crisis, with examples of a cancer diagnosis delayed by over a year; ambulance waiting times exceeding 13 hours for urgent cases; with critical care needs going unmet, forcing patients to seek private treatment.
“I’ve now submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Hywel Dda University Health Board to demand transparency on waiting times, service provision, and their plans to fix this crisis,” stated Mr Tufnell.
“Un-elected and un-accountable managers are responsible for the delivery of health care services, and it is clear that we are facing serious problems with delivery in our community.
Mr Tufnell continued: “I am demanding immediate engagement from HDUHB’s Chief Executive and I won’t stop fighting until we see real improvements in our local healthcare system.
“This is about the care and dignity our community deserves. Please continue to share your stories and help me push for change.”
Mr Tufnell said that he’d lined up a meeting with the Health Board CEO Dr Phil Kloer for February 14.
However, an Audit Wales report on cancer waiting times in Wales this month, points the finger firmly at the Labour Welsh Government’s failure to tackle such a crisis.
Kate Seymour, Head of External Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Their analysis demonstrates a lack of strong national leadership is impacting on waiting times and Wales should be doing better.
“The report concludes that without urgent action, the Welsh Government is unlikely to achieve its more ambitious waiting times target of 80% by 2026.
“As recommended by the report, the Welsh Government must urgently implement the Cancer Improvement Plan and be clear on how they will ensure accountability for delivery.
“The most recent set of cancer waiting times figures for Wales found little sign of improvement.
“We must not forget there are real people facing agonising delays and worrying about whether they have cancer or when their treatment is going to start. People in Wales with cancer deserve better.”
Responding to the report, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS commented: “This report is a damning indictment of Labour's lack of leadership on the NHS.
“Not a single health board has met cancer treatment targets since 2020, and Labour's only response seems to be throwing more money at the front line rather than coming up with actual solutions.”