WalesOnline readers have shared their experiences of the NHS in Wales after recent remarks from Health Minister Jeremy Miles around healthcare provisions in Wales versus those in England. Speaking with WalesOnline, Mr Miles underscored Wales’ dedication to improving its own healthcare services, deviating from the NHS approach in England that offers patients options for treatment across the border.
Mr Miles pointed out that although there will be instances where Welsh patients might require treatment in England, the primary aim is to ensure that healthcare services within Wales are bolstered. He spoke of the urgency in cutting down waiting lists and boosting healthcare efficiency throughout the nation.
The NHS in England allows patients to choose where they have treatment, claiming it is leading to shorter waiting times. But Mr Miles told WalesOnline that the Welsh Government was firmly committed to a different principle of trying to improve healthcare everywhere.
Read more: ‘Incredible’ dad of four dies on first holiday abroad with friends in Benidorm
Read more: Live updates as girl accused of trying to murder two teachers in Ammanford school stands trial
In response, WalesOnline readers have shared their experiences of the NHS in Wales. One of our readers, Delbert said: “A friend of mine has been suffering with cataracts for a while and had an appointment in the Royal Gwent Hospital where she was told that the cataract was really bad & needed urgent attention. BUT the waiting list for the operation was three years in Wales so she would be put onto the Emergency waiting list which is ONLY TWO YEARS WAIT TIME ??? She & her husband ‘borrowed’ money and went private and it was done in six weeks. They are in debt but at least she now has sight in her eye.”
HappyObadiah says: “I had to use Spire Gloucester last year after being told to wait over two years for an op. Spire Cardiff were also booked for months. I earn well under average pay, but hey ho.”
Junehill adds: “When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer last year if she hadn’t been given the choice to have life-saving surgery and treatment across the border, her condition would have been terminal by now and in the worst scenario my daughter may well not be here now. Progressing well and with a positive future to look forward to. Reading this now, I have no words, except maybe one – despair.”
Ilco comments: “Heard yesterday about several people having to travel 85 miles each way across Wales to get private dental treatment. This is the wonderful blueprint of dentistry practised in Wales that England could share and learn from – according to Jo Stevens last month! Clueless!”
Eddiebear1 says: “It was only last week at the Labour conference that Jo Stevens and the wonderful First Minister said that patients would be crossing back and forth England/Wales to get the best treatment and waiting lists down. Words, words,words. We (LABOUR) do things differently in Wales.”
Emsee believes: “‘We do things differently in Wales’ now where have we heard that phrase before? Yes we do do things differently in Wales, but in the worst way possible. Good God we all pay UK income tax and NI and deserve to be ALL be treated equally throughout the whole UK. Using ill people as political pawns by the WG is disgusting and should be outlawed by the UK government. Giving free prescriptions to everyone has a colossal cost and should be only for those that can’t afford them.”
Simoncorkswill adds: “The difference in treatment Wales to England is substantial, I have seen this first hand with a parent who had to move to England for three years or so.”
Flowers5 asks: “So is there cross border treatment or not? People have gone over the border for treatment for years – or are the people of Wales denied National Health treatment if that speciality is not available in Wales – Note the word ‘National’!”
So are you as confused over the Welsh government’s stance on this? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.
