Montgomeryshire MS Demands Fair Treatment Funding for Powys Health Board

Calls for additional funding directed at the Powys Health Board have intensified, with Montgomeryshire Member of the Senedd (MS) Russell George urging that part of a £180 million health expenditure increase be allocated specifically for the region. This request aims to ensure that patients from Powys awaiting treatment in England do not experience longer wait times than their English counterparts.

During First Minister’s Questions on January 13, 2024, Mr. George expressed his concerns to First Minister Eluned Morgan, describing the current situation as “completely unacceptable.” He highlighted that Powys patients often wait significantly longer for treatment in the same hospitals as English patients, despite the availability of capacity for treatment.

In the Senedd, Mr. George pointed out that the Powys Teaching Health Board had previously instructed English provider trusts to reduce treatment for Powys patients. This decision stemmed from financial constraints imposed by the Welsh Government, which the health board deemed necessary to meet budgetary expectations.

In response, Baroness Morgan acknowledged the need for equitable healthcare in rural areas. She emphasized the increased funding for the National Health Service (NHS) and cited statistics showing an average treatment wait of 19 weeks in Wales. Additionally, she noted a 90 percent reduction in two-year waits since their peak, asserting that the new health and social care funding would be distributed across all health boards.

Following the exchange, Mr. George reiterated the plight of Powys patients, stating, “Powys patients are waiting many more months for treatment than English patients when waiting for treatment in the very same hospitals. That is indefensible.” He argued that a targeted allocation for Powys would enable the health board to purchase additional available capacity in England, allowing patients to be treated according to the faster English waiting-time standards. This, he believes, would help eliminate the existing two-tier system.

To further advocate for this cause, Mr. George has formally contacted Health Secretary Jeremy Miles, seeking confirmation of a ring-fenced allocation of the additional health spending specifically for the Powys Health Board. The push for equitable healthcare funding reflects ongoing concerns regarding disparities in treatment access across regions in the UK.