Jane Dodds Urges Welsh Government to Set Cross-border Care Targets

Jane Dodds MS has called on the Welsh Government to set clear targets as part of their cross-border care plans to cut NHS waiting lists.

Speaking in the Siambr on Tuesday, Jane Dodds MS welcomed the idea of cross-border care plans, but pressed the Labour First Minister to deliver a clear set of targets.

The Welsh Government have claimed they want to see Welsh patients cross the border into England to receive treatment tp help cut waiting lists on the Welsh NHS. The plans were first announced at the Labour party conference last September.

However, there is now confusion about these plans as both Labour governments have so far failed to set out any targets for cutting down waiting lists.

In April 2024 there were 13,300 Welsh residents registered with GPs in England and 21,100 English residents registered with GPs in Wales

Speaking on the need for clear-set targets, Jane Dodds MS said:

 “Many people living in areas such as Powys are already well aware of the benefits that can come from cross-border care, and we would welcome more of this type of thing if it meant that our residents are being cared for in the best possible way.

However, a plan without an end goal is doomed from the start, which is why we urgently need to see from the Welsh Labour Government a clear set of targets as part of this cross-border care plan.

We cannot afford any more recklessness when it comes to our NHS, let’s knuckle down and get started on a plan that could change the way our NHS is run for the better.”

END NOTE