So that's the problem with the nhs

[Itshim]

Wales has too many hospitals and too many beds according to the Finance Minister Mark Drakeford.The former Labour first minister told the "For Wales, See Wales" podcast that Wales was "over hospitalised" and that more money should be spent on primary care.

[Taf]

That is Dripford-speak for "We don't have enough doctors or nurses".

[thenry]

How? Governments practically imported a nations worth of workers

[Taf]

Originally Posted by thenry

How? Governments practically imported a nations worth of workers

They must have all been scientists and engineers.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by thenry

How? Governments practically imported a nations worth of workers

Welsh government drives them out

[1andrew1]

The workforce in the UK is 800,000 less than it was pre-pandemic. Early retirement, ageing population profile, etc.

[Taf]

Originally Posted by Itshim

Welsh government drives them out

At 20mph, or 50mph on the motorways.

[Russ]

They were words stupid words to use (he has form for that) but what he said has been completely taken out of context.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Russ

They were words stupid words to use (he has form for that) but what he said has been completely taken out of context.

Didn't think Mark ever thinks about context , just spouts rubbish.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Itshim

Didn't think Mark ever thinks about context , just spouts rubbish.

I don’t think anyone will accuse him of being the sharpest tool on the shed.

What he meant was Wales relies too much on sending people to hospital when they could be treated by primary care, GPs and alternative methods.

He kind of has a point but realistically what the whole country needs are better equipped hospitals.

[nomadking]

How would increasing primary care reduce the number of beds and the waiting lists?
Where would all the GPs required come from?
Wales has too many hospitals, says Drakeford

Longest hospital waiting lists still rising (Wales)

Nearly half of the two-year waits are for eye treatment or orthopaedics.
General surgery, dermatology - mostly patients in north Wales - and ear, nose and throat operations are the specialisms with the next longest waits.
...
When we look at only consultant-led specialisms, so we can compare with England, 24% are waiting more than a year in Wales, compared with 3% across the border.

More evidence of specialist hospital care being required.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Russ

I don’t think anyone will accuse him of being the sharpest tool on the shed.

What he meant was Wales relies too much on sending people to hospital when they could be treated by primary care, GPs and alternative methods.

He kind of has a point but realistically what the whole country needs are better equipped hospitals.

You could make exactly the same point in respect of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We should be changing our emphasis to preventative methods and health care outside the hospital system wherever possible. The whole system needs streamlining. For example, if your GP says you need a scan, it should not be necessary to then go to the hospital for a second appointment with a hospital doctor or consultant. The appointment should be booked online by the GP, saving valuable hospital time.

It is not a valid excuse for the poor performance of the Welsh NHS compared with the other UK regions.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by nomadking

How would increasing primary care reduce the number of beds and the waiting lists?
Where would all the GPs required come from?
Wales has too many hospitals, says Drakeford

Longest hospital waiting lists still rising (Wales)
More evidence of specialist hospital care being required.

Or just, that over the last 20 odd years labour haven't a clue

[Russ]

It would have been worse under the Tories.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Russ

It would have been worse under the Tories.

Really