§ Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the effect of recent industrial disputes on the treatment of patients in hospitals in Wales; and if he will make a statement concerning the effects on patient care.
§ Mr. John MorrisIndustrial disputes are having significant effects on hospital services in Wales, although emergency cover is being maintained everywhere.
I am particularly concerned about elderly patients and others who may not be receiving the care they need. I fear, too, that there will be a reduction in the standard of patient care over the months to 11W come because the disruption caused by the industrial disputes will inevitably lengthen waiting lists.
§ Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement giving details, and his assessment, of the effects on the treatment of patients in hospitals within the South Glamorgan health authority's area.
§ Mr. John MorrisMost of the hospitals in South Glamorgan are able to provide emergency cover only and, as in other parts of Wales, industrial action is depriving some patients of hospital care. Delays in the treatment of non-emergency patients and interruptions in the treatment of others such as elderly patients are a matter of grave concern to me, as they should be to those engaging in this industrial action.