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Mark Tami : Does my hon. Friend accept that there is a problem, particularly in border areas, where people know that the drop in waiting times for English patients is greater than it is for Welsh patients. It is not acceptable in the long term for Welsh patients to be told that they have to wait for 18 months, while some English patients may be asked to wait for six months for the same operation.
Mr. Touhig: I entirely accept my hon. Friend's point. We all have experience of our constituents telling us about that problem. It is important to acknowledge the considerable advances that the Assembly has made in various initiatives. I hope that people will look at what is happening in England and say, "If they can do it, so can we." I am convinced that, by working in partnership with the Assembly, we are on the right track and will move towards improving waiting times.
Mr. David : Does my hon. Friend accept that the time between a patient seeing their GP and seeing a consultant can be as long as three years, never mind 18 months?
Mr. Touhig: I entirely accept that. In our part of south-east Wales, it is quite common for people to have to wait 180 weeks for their first appointment with an orthopaedic consultant. My colleague Jane Hutt, the Minister for Health and Social Services in the Assembly is tackling that problem: she announced today a further waiting times initiative to build on what has already been achieved. From 1 April 2004, every patient in Wales will be guaranteed a second offer of treatment to ensure that they wait no longer than 18 months. In some cases, that will include the option to receive treatment at a different location. We should welcome that, because it is line with the reforms and improvements that we want.
No one is denying that challenges face the NHS in Wales. The Wanless review of health and social care in Wales, which was undertaken at the request of the Assembly, showed the scale of the challenge referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West. We are rightly proud of the successes of the NHS in Wales and the things that it delivers, but we recognise the need for tough action in areas where more has to be done to deliver the services that patients expect. I am pleased that my colleagues in the Assembly made it clear today that they are prepared to act against trusts that are not delivering their targets. My hon. Friend mentioned the Wanless recommendation that the Assembly should stop underwriting deficits. I agree with that recommendation. Indeed, my colleague Jane Hutt said today:
- "Deficits will only be covered by repayable loans."
- "I expect all health organisations to sign up to deliverable finance plans and restore financial balance within the timetable laid down . . . .the warning I have given about financial discipline means that the money provided will be reclaimed."
The NHS in Wales is one of the finest achievements of a civilised society, and was delivered by a Labour Government. In a nation where many people suffer from the illnesses that are the legacy of heavy industry and social disadvantage, the health service is literally a lifeline for our people and our communities. I fully endorse the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West at the beginning of our debate that it is important that hon. Members can articulate their
constituents' concerns. We are the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and the Government are delighted to work in partnership with our colleagues in the Assembly in overcoming difficulties.After a tale of underinvestment and neglect for many years, the story of the Welsh health service has reached a new chapter. The drivers of improvement, investment and reform are being put to work by the Government and the Assembly, working in partnership for the people of Wales. We are matching our commitment to reform with our commitment to invest, and the results are already beginning to show, although I accept that we are impatient for more reforms and investment. Investment and reform in the NHS are fundamental Government pledges, and we are working in partnership with the Assembly, the NHS and the people of Wales to deliver the health service that Wales deserves now and in the future.
- Adjourned accordingly at twenty minutes past Nine o'clock.
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