Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Today, as Wales celebrates the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS), Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central, Heledd Fychan, has paid tribute to the dedicated frontline staff who have provided invaluable service and care throughout the years.

She has also warned that our NHS is in crisis. Thirteen years of Tory cuts combined with twenty-four years of Labour mismanagement have left our healthcare system on life-support, resulting in poorer health outcomes and a burnt-out workforce. Urgent and drastic action is required to ensure the survival of our NHS for the next seventy-five years.

Plaid Cymru is committed to restoring trust between patients and our healthcare system by putting an end to chronic mismanagement. Our 5-point plan includes recruiting and retaining more doctors and nurses by offering fairer pay and better work conditions, making our NHS an attractive place to work. We will tackle waiting times by investing in social care, ensuring a seamless transition from health to social care. Preventative health measures will be prioritised, aiming to address health issues before they become severe, reducing the strain on our healthcare system.

Speaking on the anniversary Heledd Fychan MS said: “The NHS has touched all our lives and we cannot imagine life without it. That’s why we must fight for its future. 

“The NHS was founded on the principle that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of background. Over the years, our healthcare heroes have displayed bravery, compassion, and resilience. They have faced personal sacrifices, especially during the pandemic, yet their dedication to our well-being has never wavered. 

“But it is a service in crisis. Visiting hospitals, picket lines and speaking to NHS workers over the past year, they’ve described a system at breaking point. The dedication and hard work of our NHS staff is undeniable. They have worked tirelessly, stretched to their limits, to ensure that we receive the care we deserve and now they need our help. 

“As we celebrate the incredible legacy of the NHS in Wales, we must do everything possible to support and champion our healthcare service to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the brilliant care of our National Health Service.”