Recession will challenge the way we manage health in Wales says AM

12.00.00am GMT Fri 6th Feb 2009

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister Peter Black is urging more joined up thinking as one way that the health service in Wales can both respond to the present recession, and come out stronger when the recession is ended.

Mr. Black said:

"The clear impact of the recession upon the Welsh NHS, and other providers within the health sector like local councils, will be a double challenge of both meeting rising demand and at the same time making savings.

"Taxpayers' money must be spent in a way that maximises the quality of care. At the same time the services will have to concentrate hard on improving the amount that is done.

"This will mean more co-operation between NHS Trusts and Councils over matters such as better planning for when patients leave hospital, and a rebalancing of the financial burden involved. Leaving patients in hospital beds when they needn't be there is expensive, and prevents the bed being used by another sick person.

"Letting people out too soon with inadequate support hinders their recovery, and may see them returning to hospital.

"Both these things waste scarce resources, and affect patient recovery.

"That is why the Labour/Plaid government should be encouraging trusts and councils to seek more innovative ways to work together, and should be prepared to give practical support to make those partnerships work better."