Issue 147

Welsh News

23rd October 2006

Assembly Members want Swansea Surgery to stay open

Five Assembly Members have called on the Health Minister, Brian Gibbons, to be cautious and also to consider other factors before deciding what is to be the fate of the Neurosurgery in South Wales.

A Health Commission of Wales report has proposed that the neurosurgery should be centred at the University Hospital of Wales, which is situated in Cardiff.

The five Assembly Members opposing the move are, Edwina Hart, Andrew Davies, Gwenda Thomas, Val Lloyd, and Catherine Thomas.

The Assembly Members would like the Minister to assess the hospital services in mid Wales and west Wales, as well assessing the ongoing Ambulance Trust review before making the final decision.

Swansea NHS Trust is not happy with the Health Commission of Wales report and has compiled an eleven page document arguing that the service should be centralised in Swansea rather than in Cardiff. The Trust believes that Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where the neurosurgery is curtnetly placed, is a much better place for the neurosurgery to operate. The trust believes that morrison is better suited geographically to suit the needs of South Wales.

According to Andrew Davies, "In the past there has been a feeling that Cardiff as a capital gets a disproportionate share of the resources but that isn't the issue here. The most important issue is the safety of Clinical services. The patients' rights and the patients' interests come first and that has to be the main concern."

Future spouse refused accomodation

A pensioner has criticised the Neath Port Talbot Council for refusing permission to allow his future wife, to move into his flat at Swansea Valley Sheltered Complex.

Ken Miller, 69, has been told that Yin Qieo, 44, can not join him at home in Ystalyfera. Mr Miller said, "It's strange that I could go out tonight, pick somebody up, and nothing would be said if she stayed the night."

The council have argued that ther is an age restriction in the complex, meaning that the couple would have to apply by application to transfer to alternative accommodation.

Mr. Miller understands the age restriction but feels that it is unfair that his future wife can not reside with him whilst they are looking for alternative accommodation.

An environmental revolution.

G24i, a company using revolutionary solar technology, is about to make a £60 million investment in Wales. The company has produced a revolutionary material, which has been described as a plastic foil that has the potential to generate more output than conventional solar panels.

This will be the largest investment in Wales since devolution in 1999, and will create 300 jobs in Cardiff over three years.

The company will begin production early next year at Wentloog Corporate Park in Cardiff. "But this is just the beginning. The investment provides a unique opportunity to take forward a new approach to sustainable technology in the city" stated Councillor Burman. Cardiff council and G24i hope this will generate similar projects.

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