Eleanor Burnham AM has urged Health Minister Brian Gibbons and the Labour Assembly Government not to forget the vital role of hospices in North Wales in providing expert care and support for patients, often reliving the pressure on the same NHS services.
Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for North Wales, addressed the Minister during yesterday's debate on the Health and Social Services committee's review into cancer services across Wales. Ms Burnham emphasised the need for ongoing long-term financial support for voluntary hospices, rather than 'quick-fix' handouts from the government.
Ms Burnham said: "As a former fundraiser for two hospices in my North Wales region and having chaired the North Wales Regional Committee where we discussed hospices, I have some understanding of the perilous position of the voluntary hospice care and support that so many people rely on.
"Hospices are the last post for dignity and care and when we hear everyday of some new horror story about the lack of TLC in the NHS due largely to performance pressures, it is essential that the government safeguard the future of Welsh hospices.
"I believe it is the duty of civilized society in a devolved nation to offer the best quality of care, and this does come at a considerable financial cost.
"I welcome the recommendations of the Review into Cancer Services that state the need for smarter working partnerships and the sharing of resources between voluntary providers and the NHS. I now hope that we will see these recommendations out into practice.
"Patient care should be our primary concern and it is not enough to treat hospices with an 'out of sight, out of mind attitude' any longer."
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Previous news story: Welsh Lib Dems stop WAG dictating safety in North Wales - Burnham (Wed 7th Mar 2007).
Next news story: North Wales Slate Job Cuts - Eleanor Burnham comment (Tue 20th Mar 2007).
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