New fears over Welshpool dialysis unit

Welshpool hospital's dialysis unit was previously under threat last year, with Betsi Cadwaladr University Heath Board, who run the unit, planning to privatise jobs there.

Back then, the Welsh Government had planned to transfer skilled dialysis staff in Wrexham and Welshpool from the NHS to a private provider.

Now fears have re-surfaced after it was revealed a new unit is set to be built, equipped and staffed by a private firm in Mold.

County councillor's Graham Breeze and Elwyn Vaughan believe the situation is 'creeping privatisation'.

Councillor Vaughan said: “It’s not the first – in the Betsi Cadwalader region both Bangor and Alltwen, Porthmadog dialysis units are already run by private companies and hence we need continued vigilance to ensure that the Welshpool unit continues to be an integral part of the NHS.

“This is creeping privatisation of our NHS that Labour rails against in England but is complicit in Wales."

Last year Vaughan Gething, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services sent written assurance to Welshpool staff that their jobs would not be privatised in response to protests by Councillors Breeze and Vaughan.

Councillor Breeze added: “We must stand side by side with the nursing staff at both Welshpool and Wrexham to ensure that we don’t see creeping privatisation.

“It is vital that we remain vigilant because last year’s promises by Welsh Government can soon be forgotten and we have an absolute duty to protect the future of the outstanding facility in Welshpool for both patients and staff.”

A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government said: “Healthcare for the people of Wales is comprehensive, universal and free at the point of access; we are not privatising the NHS.

"The new dialysis contract mirrors the existing model in addition to delivering improvements to patients including a new unit, increased staffing and updated equipment.”