Is minister's move a healthy new start healthy new start? (From Penarth Times)

Is minister's move a healthy new start healthy new start?

JANE HUTT has hit back at those who say she failed during her time as Health and Social Services Minister.

The AM for the Vale of Glamorgan told the Barry and District News that she is proud of her record, listing her successes during her five and a half years in the post.

She was relieved of her high-profile health duties on Tuesday, with many blaming the lengthy waiting lists for her dismissal.

She remains in the Assembly cabinet as Business Minister, the Welsh equivalent of the Leader of the House of Commons.

Dr Brian Gibbons, AM for Aberavon, has taken over the Health Minister's post.

Mrs Hutt said: "The budget has nearly doubled since I became Minister. There was record investment in new hospitals, buildings, equipment and services.

"There have been 17,000 more staff employed since I became Minister, and waiting times are shorter than at any time since the Assembly began.

"They are also falling further and faster than ever before.

"In the post, I created a public health service for Wales which is the most advanced in the UK, and created services for people with hearing difficulties (digital hearing aids), with respiratory illnesses and eye problems, which are leading the UK in that field.

"I oversaw the freezing of prescription charges and the first steps towards their abolition.

"In the local area, Llandough Hospital had 6.4m capital funding for the development of a 38-bed in-patient Adult Acute Mental Health Unit, a new 5m orthopaedic treatment centre, and 1.1m of Assembly and Trust funding for an extended Children's Assessment Unit which will provide seven-day access to assessment in Llandough for children."

Speaking about her removal from the post, Mrs Hutt said: "I am delighted to be given an important new role in the Welsh Assembly Government.

"The Business Manager helps lead the Welsh Assembly Government policy agenda and ensure that it is translated into practical action.

"It has been a huge opportunity and privilege to serve the people of Wales as Health and Social Services Minister," she added.

"I can truly say that I have lived health and social services day in day out during this time.

"I am delighted that Dr Brian Gibbons is taking on the role, having previously served as Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services."

After taking the decision to remove Jane Hutt the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, said: "The corner has clearly now been turned on long waiting times.