SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, fears vulnerable people are at risk following changes in the level of continued healthcare funding.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Health Minister said: “I’ve had a significant number of e-mails from people who are seriously concerned about the changes in the level of continuing healthcare funding from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Ultimately, the responsibility of the Welsh Government, and the impact this is having on capacity and the basic dignity of people who need care, and that funding for their care.
“There are many vulnerable people who rely on the funding for their healthcare needs. A real-term cut to that at the moment is leaving some people with a weekly gap of around £114 to be able to meet the healthcare needs that they have.
“One resident said in an e-mail that this feels like just another rash and uncaring decision, leaving the most vulnerable and needy elderly people in crisis.
“People are extremely worried about this, and they’re right to be so.”
Trefnydd, Jane Hutt said the funding of community healthcare, is very much dependent on appropriate assessment of the care needs of a patient and she would ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care for an update to clarify the availability of continuing care in terms of funding, and in the context of the assessment.
Mr Rowlands added: “I sincerely hope that the Minister will take this matter up with the health board as I am growing increasingly concerned about the number of emails I am receiving about this issue.
“It is just not right to cut funding for our vulnerable or elderly people who desperately need continuing health care.”
