An obscene waste of cash (From South Wales Argus)

An obscene waste of cash

11:50am Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Letters

The plan to extend GP surgery hours at the cost of some £400,000 is irrational, unbelievable and an obscene waste of money.

GPs and Primary Care Trusts already operate out of hours, so an extra hour here or there will make no difference. I cannot help wondering if there is a little Office of Money-Flushing Ideas (OOMFI) somewhere, possibly lottery funded?

May I suggest giving half of the budget to County Hospital, open the Minor Injury Unit and staff it with Advanced Nurse Practitioners, treatment nurses and a receptionist. Not only will they provide a minor injury service, but could also see minor illnesses as well, and all between 8am and 6pm.

I would estimate a minimum of 20,000 patients per year and would thank Aneurin Bevan Health Board for their investment.

More than that, there would be hard evidence of excellent patient care, actual attendances, and cost-effective use of taxpayers’ money.

Mark Pittman, Windsor Road, Newport