Staff have “lost faith” in Welsh Government's ability to manage NHS

“These strikes are the last resort of a health service on its knees” – Rhun ap Iorwerth MS

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for health and care, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, has said that health and care staff have “lost faith” in the Labour Welsh Government’s ability to manage the NHS in Wales.

On the second day of strike action from nurse (Tuesday 20 December), and ahead of the ambulance worker strike tomorrow (Wednesday 21 December), Plaid Cymru has reiterated its message of support for all workers fighting for fair pay and safe working conditions.

Speaking after joining nurses on the picket line at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for health and care, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Our health and care service needs healing. If we are to truly get to grips with the chronic issues plaguing our NHS - long waiting lists, pressure on health and care workers and the current backlog in treatment and diagnosis - then we must build a more resilient and robust health and care service, starting with support for our hard-working staff.

“These strikes have never just been about pay. Our health and care staff are over-worked and under-resourced and have lost faith in the Welsh Government’s ability to manage the NHS. These strikes are the last resort of a health service on its knees. Welsh Government must use all the levers at their disposal to improve the pay award and to improve working conditions. Without workers, there is no NHS.”