Vale of Glamorgan MP, Alun Cairns has met with Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale Health Board to highlight his concerns about the lack GP of out of hours cover in Barry. Mr Cairns revealed recently that the service was only open for 41% of the time between November and February, forcing Vale and Barry residents to drive to Cardiff to see a GP.
A number of constituents contacted Alun Cairns and when he researched the matter, he discovered that the Out of Hours Service at Barry Hospital was closed more than it was open. He was so concerned he called a meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss the situation.
At the meeting, the Local Health Board highlighted that the shortage of GP’s in general affects the cover that can be offered.
Mr Cairns expressed concern that Barry and Vale residents weren’t receiving the same priority as Cardiff patients.
Mr Cairns said of the meeting
“The most important thing coming from today’s meeting was the assurance that the out of hours service in Barry will be retained and that they will look at how best to ensure cover.
“I am pleased that they listened to my concerns and that the Board are taking steps to address the level of out of hours cover in Barry. I highlighted that it seems that Barry is the first place to see cuts in service, when they have a GP shortage. They have agreed to look again at this.
“The lack of provision in Barry means that patients have to travel to Cardiff during the early hours of the morning, if they need to see a GP. Many will be elderly or vulnerable, particularly when they are ill. This is not equal treatment and I am determined to see changes.
“I was also pleased to gain assurances that the Barry Hospital facility is key to their provision of care in general.” Mr Cairns added that there is always concern over the long term future of Barry hospital but they have assured me that it is not under threat.
ENDS