WILLIAM GRAHAM SEEKS CLARIFICATION ON FUTURE OF
GWENT MEDICAL SECRETARIES
issued 22nd November 2006
William Graham AM today sought clarification from the Assembly Health Minister Brian Gibbons over proposed plans to make more than 100 medical secretaries redundant in Gwent. Responding to Mr. Graham’s question, the Minister could only dismiss the cuts as hypothetical, offering no re-assurance to worried health workers and patients.
Graham, Conservative AM for South Wales East, commented,
‘The Minister’s lack of interest in this key issue is disgraceful. It would a travesty if these jobs were to be outsourced abroad.’
‘These cuts will only create small savings and have potentially disastrous effects. Foreign typists could make important mistakes when transcribing tapes made by consultants.’
Earlier in the questions session Graham appealed to the Assembly Health Minister to follow the lead set by his colleague Patricia Hewitt who has today promised to resign if the NHS in England does not break financially even by March.
‘Dr. Gibbons’ refusal to resign even if the NHS in Wales does not break financially was no surprise. This government’s true contribution to the NHS is more bureaucracy and reduced patient’s services. He should not be surprised if the Welsh public take a poor view of his record at the polls in next May’s Assembly elections.'
William Graham JP, AM
SPOKESMAN FOR EDUCATION
Email – william.graham@wales.gov.uk
