Dangers for Wales’ NHS in Brexit approach, says Labour
THE approach being taken to Brexit could pose huge dangers to Wales’ NHS – that’s according to two senior Labour politicians.
Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer will visit Wales today as part of the party’s General Election campaign.
Sir Keir praised the Welsh Labour Government’s international recruitment campaign for GPs.
Welsh Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Health Vaughan Gething last week launched a parallel programme to boost nursing recruitment across the country.
He said: “The Welsh Labour Government’s “Train/Work/Live” drive has transformed GP recruitment in Wales, and will surely do the same for nursing. The schemes are attracting applicants from across the globe, with many from the EU.
“EU nationals do not just contribute to our society – they are our society.
“It is nothing short of a disgrace that the Tories have tried to use these hard-working doctors and nurses as bargaining chips.
“That’s why, on day one of a UK Labour Government, we will immediately guarantee that all EU nationals will see no change in their legal status as a result of Brexit. It is the right thing for us to do for the NHS and for the country.”
The first recruitment campaign was for GPs and saw a 16% increase in GP training places filled, according to the Welsh Government.
Now a new scheme has been launched to attract and train more nurses, GPs and other health professionals across Wales.
Mr Gething said: “The Welsh NHS has a rich history of welcoming staff who were born and trained both inside and outside the EU, and our “Train/Work/Live” programme builds on this tradition.
“These are dedicated people who are a central part of the fabric of our NHS, making a huge contribution to our nation’s wellbeing.
“The Tories’ cavalier approach to these valued public servants is not only morally reprehensible, it is a real threat to the Welsh NHS.”