Welsh Lib Dems launch NHS action plan

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have launched a 10-point action plan they say would have an “immediate impact” on the NHS in Wales.

Promises include the establishment of walk-in health centres, recruitment of more staff, free prescriptions for the chronically ill and increased ambulance cover in rural areas.

Ed Townsend, who is standing in Newport East, said: “It is little short of scandalous that in this part of the UK- one of the world’s most prosperous countries – people can still wait more than 18 months for treatment. Almost one in ten people are waiting at least this long.”

He added: “This action plan, along with our long-standing commitment to introduce free personal care for the elderly, proves there is a real alternative to the mismanagement of the NHS by Labour, and Tory plans which could not be paid for if their proposals to reduce public spending are to be believed.”