ELUNED MORGAN As one of your regional Labour Assembly Members when I’m not debating in the Senedd, I spend a lot of time travelling around the region! In the last couple of weeks I’ve spent a lot of time in Powys. I may be a new face in Assembly-terms, but it’s been good to be back here. (I used to represent Mid and West Wales as the youngest MEP).
On my most recent visit I met with members of the Newtown Patient Health Forum to hear concerns over the availability of local NHS services, as well worry over the possible closure of a valued day centre for elderly patients. I know that health care is a concern for many. I have been speaking to patients groups and clinicians across the region to understand the challenges and to lend my support to a discussion that looks to strengthen and sustain services in future. It’s clear from what I’ve heard at my meeting with the forum that it’s UK Government cuts that are impacting on both sides of the border. So I will be discussing the points raised with me with my colleagues in Welsh Government so that the voice of local patients isn’t lost.
As I travel round the constituency I hear plenty of new ideas, many of which lead the way in their field. I’m looking to share best practice where I can across our county “borders”. I visited Powys County Council in Llandrindod Wells too and learnt of their ground-breaking work on care for older people. You may wonder how that squares with concern over the future of day care centres which I know can provide a vital link for older people to remain connected with their communities. For some, the chance to socialise, receive a hot meal and to access support services is a life-line. They must remain part of the mix of providing care to older people – an area I am extremely interested in.
I’ve called in the Assembly for the establishment of a National Care Service for Wales which I hope in time will become as loved and appreciated as the NHS. A service that meets the needs of older people and which will be integral to the health service, working hand in hand with it. I’d welcome views from County Times readers on how that service could work. Email me at eluned.morgan@assembly.wales and you can also take part in the discussion on my website www.elunedmorgan.wales or for more regular updates find me on www.facebook.com/ElunedMorganAM
