Andrew RT Davies MS - the Shadow Minister for Health – has today announced that a Welsh Conservative-led government would appoint an independent patient safety commissioner in Wales.
The ‘NHS Ombudsman Service for Wales’ would be patients’ port of call, listener and advocate – handling complaints and concerns – whilst holding the system in Wales to account.
It was a central recommendation of the review led by life the peer Julia Cumberlege into three treatments — Primodos, sodium valproate, and pelvic mesh — that resulted in birth defects, learning difficulties, and life changing complications for thousands of women.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative health spokesperson, Andrew RT Davies MS, said:
“The patient safety commissioner was a key recommendation of the Cumberlege review which revealed the harrowing testimony of many patients harmed by their treatments, including pelvic mesh, and how their voices went unheard and unheeded for too long.
“Listening to patients is pivotal to spotting trends and detecting issues before they spiral out of control and that’s why a Welsh Conservative-led government would lead the way and introduce this service in Wales.
“The NHS Ombudsman Service should be developed to listen to and advocate for all patients and whistleblowers, help shape and direct their complaints and reports of safety concerns.
“The Labour Party has been responsible for running services in Wales for more than 20 years, but has sadly created a system that is complex, daunting, and unresponsive.
“Welsh Conservatives will ensure that changes will happen, and will make listening to patients a priority once again."
