BMA Cymru Wales manifesto for a healthier Wales
June 2006
Improving health – delivering for Wales
Doctors are the backbone of the NHS. They are also the patients’ advocates, and survey after survey confirms that doctors are trusted by their patients. The new Welsh Assembly Government needs to build on that trust to improve the wider patient experience and create an NHS which is both flexible and responsive to the needs of patients in Wales.
The provision of healthcare is constantly changing – and has to change to reflect our times. Any restructuring of the NHS should involve talking to the doctors who work in that area. Without their support and expertise, a restructured service is worthless. The medical profession in general and BMA Cymru Wales in particular are keen to engage in an active dialogue with others to improve the service. There needs to be coordinated planning on an all-Wales level to ensure that capacity and current service provision are used sensibly. There must also be a greater assessment of the effectiveness of change.
There are also small but significant things that can be done to improve the patient’s journey through the system: better facilities, more cleanliness, better food, getting the basics right. Patients waiting on trolleys in A&E departments and on wards is simply not acceptable in the 21st century.
Ending the postcode lottery: high quality treatment assured wherever people live is also a priority while a greater emphasis is placed on more prevention: better help and information on healthy living.
There is a huge task ahead to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Wales. A ban on smoking in public places will lead to a dramatic improvement in health. Health Challenge Wales is also leading the way in addressing health education and we fully support the initiative.
BMA Cymru Wales is fully committed to working with the National Assembly for Wales – its government and opposition parties to ensure that Welsh patients get the service they deserve: a service fit for purpose and a service fit for the 21st century. We believe passionately in the national health service and its founding principles – a comprehensive national service, free at the point of delivery, funded through general taxation and based on people’s needs. Improving health and healthcare for everyone in Wales is the priority and we are committed to delivering high quality healthcare in every conceivable setting throughout the country. Let’s improve health, let’s deliver for Wales.
Dr Tony Calland
Chairman
BMA Welsh Council