NHS Trust Re-organisation: German comments.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Apr 2008

Commenting on the consultation on NHS restructuring - including plans to reduce the number of LHBs from 22 to 8, Michael German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly for Wales commented:

"We don't believe the current situation with 22 LHBs is sustainable. However we have serious concerns that any new system must keep strong links with local authorities. That is the great strength of the current system. And any new structure must ensure there is a democratic local voice for patients and staff in their NHS.

"The proposed NHS board must be used as an opportunity to put the service at an arms-length from day-to-day government interference and make decisions based on clinical need. There is a danger in some of these proposals that it could increase ministerial meddling in day-to-day decision making.

"Like the Minister, I am concerned at how best we deliver health services, that's why Welsh Liberal Democrats established our own review of this area earlier in the year.

"My great concern is that this is a further step in the Labour-Plaid government's centralising agenda. Welsh Liberal Democrats want to empower the experts and patients, not Assembly government politicians."

Mr. German criticised the publication of the consultation during the recess.

He said: "I'm amazed that this major announcement has been snuck out while the Assembly is in recess. This consultation has major implications for the future of the health service in Wales and has emerged without warning, late on a Wednesday afternoon."

He also questioned whether there re-organisation could spread to local authorities.

"By proposing a reduction from 22 to 8, the Minister is also casting a shadow over local government in Wales, at a time when all the parties are preparing for the local government elections in May. If 22 LHBs are too many, then does the government think 22 local authorities is too many as well? We know they have acquired the powers to re-organise local government - are they planning to use it?" he added.