You get what you vote for

Before the May election we warned that staff shortages were having an adverse effect on hospital services in this area.

Our candidate for Pontypridd Mike Powell issued a press release which expressed concern over the future of some services at the Royal Glamorgan hospital following reports from employees there that staff shortages are resulting in a fall in service provision.

"Some time ago it was rumored that the A&E department at the Royal Glamorgan was to be closed and services moved to Merthyr. At the time those rumours were proved to be groundless. However, in October last year cutbacks were made in services at the minor injury units at Aberdare and Llwynypia because of a lack of suitably qualified staff.

I have recently had several members of staff at the Royal Glamorgan contact me with concerns that this is just the start and that continued problems may result in the closure of the department."

Cwm Taf Health Board stated twelve months ago that there were on-going recruitment problems and that they could not continue with their previous methods of using overtime and agency staff in the long term.

Nobody appeared overly concerned – the press release, as with so many, was ignored by the local Labour leaning press, we were dismissed as scaremongering.

Now residents – as reported in the Rhondda Leader and by Wales online – are up in arms because, guess what?  Staff shortages are forcing the closure of the minor injuries unit

Cwm Taf Health Board said it has been forced to close the service because it is struggling to recruit doctors to work in the Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles hospital A&E departments.

Another two doctors will leave A&E at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, in Llantrisant, this month

Well I hate to say this, but you do get what you vote for.

Far too many people fell in line and stayed true to their red roots, they voted for a Labour party who promised them they were still the party of the people, on their side.  That they and only they could protect the education of their children, their free bus passes, their welfare benefits, their jobs, and yes their health service.

Well you know who got us into this state?

You’ve guessed it – the good old on the side of the common people Labour Party.  Well done to everyone who let them get away with it.