NOW the dust has settled and Mr Cameron remains in power in London it might be timely to look at the challenges facing the NHS in Wales.

Independent information shows that the UK and Wales in particular trails behind in terms of doctors per head.

Wales has 2.67 doctors per 1000 people similar levels to Poland and Romania. Scotland has 3.3 doctors with Germany and Sweden at 50 per cent more per 1000 people. These are significant differences.

It is little wonder that our waiting lists are so long and the level of complaints is increasing. We must not forget that here it’s Labour that is running the show. If we are to have safe and sustainable NHS services then we must have enough doctors to care for patients.

It’s good to read that Plaid’s Elin Jones AM is committed to increasing the number of vital health workers. She wants to introduce financial incentives to encourage graduate doctors to stay and work in Wales. Part of the problem is that Labour cut the Health Budget in Wales. Meanwhile in Scotland the SNP has invested in health and employs more doctors. Plaid seems to have clear commitments to save and strengthen the NHS.

Labour’s failure to plan and recruit has left Wales lagging behind. The result is further centralising of emergency hospital services in fewer locations because of recruitment problems.

Chris Franks

Dinas Powys