David Chadwick Challenges UK Government Over Proposals to Extend Waiting Times for Powys Patients

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor, and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, has strongly condemned proposals that would extend waiting times for patients in Powys receiving treatment in English hospitals under the Powys Teaching Health Board.

Chadwick described the proposals as "utterly unacceptable," arguing that they undermine both the Welsh and UK Government's commitments to reducing NHS waiting times. He warned that they may also violate the Statement of Values governing cross-border healthcare between Wales and England.

The issue was raised directly by Chadwick with Dame Nia Griffith, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, during a Welsh Affairs Select Committee session focused on the Wales Office.

Under the proposed changes, Powys Teaching Health Board is considering extending waiting times for Powys patients who seek elective procedures and outpatient appointments in Shropshire and Herefordshire. This cost-cutting measure would result in Welsh patients waiting longer for treatment in English hospitals compared to their English counterparts, because Powys Health Board claims it cannot afford the current pace of treatment.

Chadwick pointed out the contradiction with Labour Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens’ pledge from September, which promised to prioritise Welsh patients treated in England to reduce the soaring Welsh waiting times—currently at a record 800,000 patients. Chadwick emphasized that the situation in Powys directly conflicts with this objective.

Dame Nia Griffith did not directly address the concerns raised about the extended waiting times for Powys patients, nor would she commit to providing clear details on how English hospitals would be used to alleviate Welsh waiting lists.

Commenting, David Chadwick MP said:

“It is utterly unacceptable that Powys patients could be forced to wait longer in hospitals in Herefordshire and Shropshire than patients from England.

“This situation is a direct contradiction to what the Welsh Secretary has previously promised.

“Residents in Powys already feel neglected, as we do not have a general hospital of our own, services are few and far between and we have already faced huge cuts such as the recent changes to our Minor Injuries Units.

“I will not stand by while patients are artificially forced to wait longer for treatment due to mismanaged accounting rules imposed by the Welsh Government and will be these proposals all the way.”

ENDS