Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy is deeply concerned at the state of General Practice surgeries in Aberconwy and Wales.
Since 2012, there has been a loss of over 100 surgeries in Wales and a reduction in the number of GPs by 2%.
Most concerning is the fact that there has been a 35% increase in the number of patients per full time GP which is potentially leading to unsafe and unsustainable conditions for GPs and patients.
The main area for concern is a distinct lack of funding. Recent data from the BMA shows that only 6.1% of NHS Wales budget is invested directly into General Medical Services. This is compared to 8.7% in 2005/06, showing the clear downward trend in funding.
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“I am deeply concerned at the direction that our surgeries are heading in. We are facing a decimation of surgeries across Wales and this is causing a severe impact on frontline care in our communities across Aberconwy and North Wales.
“Funding is sadly the root cause of this decline. Currently, a practice is allocated £117.48 per year per patient, whatever their health needs. That is less than the cost of a TV license.
“To put it into perspective, GPs currently only receive 32p per day for each registered patient. This is simply unacceptable and unsustainable.
“When we have a Welsh Government that has forked out £200m in subsidies for Cardiff Airport, I find it disgraceful that our surgeries are being left to suffer and deteriorate.
“Simply, the Welsh Government have the wrong priorities. Our Welsh NHS is on its knees. It needs to be properly funded and this must be the primary focus of our government. Not pet projects that are turning into financial blackholes.”
ENDS
