13.02.15
Commission to look at the future of the NHS in Wales
A deal to set up an independent commission to look at the future of the NHS in Wales has been agreed by the Welsh government and the Liberal Democrats.
In a letter to Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams, health minister Mark Drakeford proposed the commission would have an independent chair, and cross-party representation.
Williamson accepted the offer and urged the Conservatives and Plaid Cyrmu to take part. The 12-month commission will commence in April.
Drakeford said the commission would:
- Identify some of the key issues currently facing the health service - with the evidence already available
- Draw out the challenges for the coming years - for example around funding, workforce and demand
- Examine options for the way forward - and make recommendations about the future of the health service
Medical staff and the general public would also be invited to take part as well as figures from the four parties in the assembly.
The Conservatives' shadow health minister Darren Millar said his party wanted an independent public inquiry but would examine the commission's terms of reference when it received them.
"It is absolutely vital that this does not become a simple talking shop full of politicians that achieves little else other than covering Labour's clear mistakes and failures," he added.
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