Health Minister visits Gorseinon Hospital

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Labour's Prospective Assembly Candidate for Gower, has welcomed the Health Minister to Gorseinon Hospital to see first hand the rehabilitation and physiotherapy services, and visit the Parkinson's Treatment Centre. 

The visit came following an announcement from the Welsh Government that the number of nurse training places in Wales will increase by 10% in 2016-17 as part of an £85m investment package in the next generation of healthcare professionals. This follows a 22% increase in nurse training places in 2015-16.

Rebecca Evans, who as a current regional AM has chaired the Assembly's Cross Party Group on Nursing and Midwifery, said: "Welsh Labour is committed to investing in our NHS in Wales - and this includes investing in our wonderful NHS staff, including those providing care and treatment in Gorseinon Hospital.

"This new investment means that we will have the highest level of nurse training places in Wales since devolution. The number of people directly employed by the NHS has increased by a third since the Assembly was established in 1999."

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said: "Rehabilitation and physiotherapy services, such as those offered here in Gorseinon Hospital, can make all the difference to a person's quality of life and independence following an accident, stroke or other event. 

"That is why the Welsh Government is ensuring that the number of physiotherapy training places in Wales will also increase."

Rebecca Evans and the Minister also joined nursing staff on a ward round, and talked to patients about the care they were receiving and the plans in place for their discharge from hospital. 

Rebecca Evans said: "Gorseinon is a much-loved and valued local hospital. It was good to hear from patients that they are happy with the care that they were receiving. This is a real tribute to the hard working staff."

Mark Drakeford said: "I was impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of all of the team at Gorseinon Hospital, and their determination to ensure that their patients have the best possible outcomes."