Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is deeply concerned that a planned hospital to serve North Denbighshire may not go ahead.
In May, James wrote yet again to the Welsh Health Minister, Eluned Morgan MS, asking for an update on the proposed new community healthcare scheme at the Royal Alexandra Hospital site in Rhyl.
He has since received a worrying response from the Minister stating that, as a result of "significant pressures being experienced across NHS Wales schemes", "difficult choices will need to, and are having to be made".
Her letter to the MP states:
"There are a number of high-profile capital schemes in North Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board recognise the need to prioritise these and discussions are ongoing at a high level on the next steps.
"Given the above, a decision on the proposed investment has yet to be made on the Royal Alexandra Hospital scheme."
James said:
"This is an extremely concerning response. This hospital was promised to the people of North Denbighshire by the then Health Minister, and now First Minister, Mark Drakeford, back in 2013.
"Since that time, there has been delay after delay and now we are being told there is a chance it could not go ahead. This is not acceptable.
"Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is under immense pressure and struggling to cope. This new facility in Rhyl would ease some of the pressure and provide people with health services they can better depend on."
Since receiving the letter, James has obtained health capital budget figures for both Wales and England for comparison.
These show that for 2022/23 England plans to spend £185 per head on NHS capital projects, compared to £106 per head in Wales.
The Barnett formula currently gives Wales a 20% funding premium, so spending on new hospital buildings in Wales is far lower than where it ought to be.
James, who has strongly supported the plans for the new hospital since they were first mooted, added:
"For years I, and my Conservative colleagues here in North Wales, have been applying pressure on the Welsh Government to move this development forward.
"Despite this extremely disappointing and worrying latest development, I will continue fighting for a North Denbighshire Hospital. It is a much-needed facility, and the Welsh Government should be prioritising this development, not talking about potentially scrapping it!"
"It is vital that the Welsh Government get their priorities right - a Royal Alex is what we need, not an unjustified, unworkable and costly scheme to create a blanket 20mph national speed limit."
Related news:
https://www.jamesdavies.org.uk/news/mp-strong-support-plans-new-community-hospital-rhyl
