'It is important that the Welsh Government understands what residents in Wrexham are facing'

MP for Wrexham

Last week, I was out in Garden Village with volunteers to deliver my healthcare campaign leaflet. The aim of the campaign is to draw attention to the issues residents are facing accessing healthcare services. In recent months, many of you have been in contact to say that you have not been able to access GP appointments, have experienced hours of waiting at A&E, or have become frustrated by delays to routine surgery. Many of the stories I have heard are incredibly concerning.

As such, it is important that the Welsh Government understands what residents in Wrexham are facing and acts now by investing in our local healthcare services, whilst also ensuring that these investments result in improvements on the frontline. As we recover from the pandemic, during which wait times have only increased across the health board, this is even more important. This is why I have launched this campaign and why I will continue to stand up for residents.

I am grateful to all those that have responded so far, although I feel despondent by some of the comments that have been left. One respondent said, “the pain clinic in Wrexham is non-existent. I want to move to England for a better NHS” and another, “Why isn't there a Minor Injury Unit in Wrexham? I was told to drive 22 miles to Oswestry by the Hospital... a Minor Injuries Unit urgently needed in Wrexham.” Additionally, highlighting the long wait times for routine appointments many face, another respondent said, “My father was told he needs a hip replacement but been told will take approximately 5 years to have the operation. He is 85 so now he will never get it done on the NHS.” These comments highlight why it is important that the Welsh NHS sees rapid improvements and why my campaign is necessary.

To make your voice heard, sign the survey on my website at: www.sarahatherton.org.uk/health-care-wrexham.

In recent weeks, I have also had increasing correspondence from residents around Pandy and Rhosrobin relating to concerns about the proposed housing development on land between New Llay road and Plas Acton Cemetery. As the proposals are currently going through the planning system, I would urge all residents to make contact with the Planning Department to raise any thoughts. This can be done by emailing planning@wrexham.gov.uk or by calling 01978 298994. I also know that a local campaign group has been set up in response, which I fully support. Having worked with campaign groups, such as the Hillock Lane Action Group, I know that grassroots groups can be an excellent vehicle for highlighting local feeling on a matter. In addition, I also am here to support residents with their concerns.

Last – and by no means least – I recently visited the Festival of Angels at St Giles’ Church in Wrexham, a tribute to those in Wales that have lost their lives to Coronavirus. The memorial, designed by members of the church’s congregation and volunteers from across Wrexham, is a fitting memorial and I was pleased to be able to visit. The festival will continue into the New Year and I would urge all to drop in and have a look if you are in town.

As always if you are resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issue, please make contact with me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.