THE astonishing amount spent on management consultants by Health Boards is shocking. Across Wales over the last four years over £21 million has been diverted from wards and patient treatment to highly paid private management consultants.

The sums involved are not only huge but in many cases the Health Boards are increasing the amount they spend every year.

In Cardiff and the Vale the scale is breath taking. The growth in costs has rocketed from £736,000 in 2011 to an eye watering £1.5 million last year. I know that Plaid Cymru wants to see the existing organisations develop their own ability find solutions to major health challenges.

How can this spending on private management be justified? We already see excessive levels of senior health managers. Now on top of that there are these private companies making a fortune. For too long these Health Trusts have been unresponsive to the views of the public.

The total spent by the Cardiff and Vale Board is £4.7 million which is the highest in Wales. How will Labour Ministers defend these shocking levels? Or will they hide behind the unaccountable Health Board that they appointed?

Well done to Elin Jones Plaid’s health spokesperson for calling for much of this cash to be redirected to front line services. What exactly are the chief executives and board members doing if they need all this extra management expertise?

Chris Franks

Dinas Powys