Is a Bigger Senedd Truly Worth the Investment? Five Key Takeaways from Eluned Morgan's Phone-In

In a recent appearance on BBC Radio Wales' The Phone-In, First Minister Eluned Morgan addressed listeners' concerns as the Senedd election approaches in May. She outlined the Welsh Labour government's efforts to improve the NHS, with a focus on waiting times and funding disparities between north and south Wales. Morgan stressed the importance of recent investments and reforms, while acknowledging ongoing frustrations with GP appointment systems and public spending priorities.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

With just 11 weeks to go until the Senedd election, First Minister Eluned Morgan is facing pressing questions from the public regarding the performance of Welsh Labour. The discussion on BBC Radio Wales highlighted key issues such as the state of the National Health Service (NHS), funding allocations between regions, and the effectiveness of government spending. Morgan's responses reflect the party's commitment to addressing these challenges while underlining ongoing criticisms from constituents.

Key takeaways

The average wait for NHS treatment in Wales is currently 19 weeks, with north Wales experiencing slightly longer waits.
Eluned Morgan emphasised increased funding from the UK government to improve NHS services.
Concerns about GP appointment systems remain, with many callers expressing frustration over accessibility.
The upcoming increase in Senedd members is viewed by some as a misuse of public funds, though Morgan defended the decision.
Investment in north Wales, including a nuclear plant, aims to drive economic growth and job creation.

Timeline: how we got here

The discussion surrounding the NHS and funding in Wales has evolved over the past few years, particularly following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a brief timeline of significant developments leading up to the current situation:

May 2021: The Welsh Labour government is re-elected, promising to improve public services.
January 2023: A record drop in NHS waiting lists is reported, with 23,400 fewer patients waiting for treatment.
November 2023: First Minister Morgan appears on The Phone-In, addressing public concerns ahead of the upcoming Senedd election.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In her recent radio appearance, Eluned Morgan acknowledged ongoing challenges within the NHS, particularly concerning waiting times and access to GP services. She highlighted a significant drop in waiting lists while reiterating the need for public understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare recovery.

What was already established

Prior to this discussion, it was already known that the NHS in Wales has been under strain, with long waiting times and accessibility issues. The Welsh government's commitment to improving these services has been a central theme in their recent policies, as well as their focus on regional funding disparities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The state of the NHS directly affects consumers and households in Wales, with many facing long waits for treatment and difficulties accessing GP services. As the government allocates funds to improve these services, residents are keenly aware of the ongoing challenges and expect tangible improvements.

Businesses and jobs

Investment in infrastructure, such as the planned nuclear plant in north Wales, represents a potential boost for local businesses and job creation. However, public sentiment surrounding spending priorities may influence future investment decisions and economic development in the region.

Policy and regulation

The Welsh government is actively engaged in discussions about healthcare reforms and funding strategies, with upcoming consultations expected to address public concerns. The increase in Senedd members is part of a broader strategy to enhance governance and accountability, although its value is debated among constituents.

Numbers that matter

Average NHS treatment wait: 19 weeks across Wales; 21 weeks in north Wales.
Number of patients waiting for treatment fell by 23,400 in January.
Only 64.3% of A&E patients were seen within four hours, below the 95% target.
Welsh government's budget: £27 billion, with £10 million allocated for additional Senedd members.
Over 170 billionaires in the UK, with a few residing in Wales, highlighting wealth disparity concerns.

Definitions and jargon buster

Senedd: The Welsh Parliament, responsible for making laws and decisions in Wales.
NHS: National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK.
MS: Member of the Senedd, an elected representative in the Welsh Parliament.
AI: Artificial Intelligence, technology that simulates human intelligence processes.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the election date approaches, watch for increased public engagement and scrutiny of party policies. Key issues like healthcare and funding will dominate discussions, influencing voter sentiment.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-election, the new or returning government will need to address the ongoing challenges within the NHS and public services. Stakeholders will be keen to see how promised investments translate into real improvements.

Signals to watch

Polling data indicating voter priorities and sentiments regarding healthcare and funding.
Government announcements regarding NHS reforms and investment projects.
Public reactions to the performance of elected representatives following the election.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local healthcare options and services available in your area.
Engage with community discussions about public spending and priorities.
Utilise available online resources, such as the NHS App, for appointments and consultations.

Don’t

Ignore ongoing issues with healthcare access; advocate for improvements in your community.
Dismiss the importance of participating in the upcoming Senedd election.
Assume that changes in policy will happen without public pressure and engagement.

Checklist

Review your local NHS services and identify any challenges you face.
Prepare questions or concerns to raise with elected officials during community meetings.
Follow the developments regarding the Senedd election and party manifestos.
Consider how national policies affect local services in your area.
Participate in discussions about public funding and accountability.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Ongoing discussions about public spending and healthcare highlight a number of uncertainties. While the Welsh government aims to improve services, there are concerns about the sustainability of funding and the effectiveness of proposed reforms. Additionally, public satisfaction with these services can vary, influenced by local experiences and government performance.

Bottom line

Eluned Morgan's recent radio appearance underscores the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh Labour as the Senedd election approaches. With pressing issues in the NHS and public spending, voters are eager for accountability and tangible improvements in their communities. The outcome of the election will significantly influence the direction of these critical policies in Wales.

FAQs

What is the current average wait time for NHS treatment in Wales?

The average wait time for NHS treatment in Wales is currently 19 weeks, with north Wales experiencing slightly longer waits at 21 weeks.

How many additional members will the Senedd have after the election?

The Senedd will increase its membership from 60 to 96 members following the upcoming election, a significant rise aimed at improving governance.

What investments are being made in north Wales?

North Wales is set to benefit from substantial investments, including the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) growth zone and a nuclear plant at Wylfa, expected to create thousands of jobs.