The Senedd Member for South Wales East, has fiercely criticised the Welsh Government for its failure to adequately fund General Practitioners (GPs) and for making it harder than ever for patients to book appointments.

In a scathing attack in the Senedd, Laura Anne Jones slammed the booking system, which she said was adding to the chaos and delays facing patients trying to get essential care. Laura was particularly vocal about the “incompetence” of the system, claiming it “makes it almost impossible” for patients to get the help they need.

“The current system is a nightmare,” she said. “It’s not only frustrating for patients, but it’s also placing unnecessary pressure on our already overstretched GP surgeries.” Highlighted the urgent need for the Welsh Government to provide proper funding for GPs, Laura warned that a lack of financial support was pushing surgeries to breaking point. She said, “Without the funding they need, GPs simply cannot provide the care that patients deserve, and this is causing real harm to people across South Wales East.

The situation is about to get worse with the rise in National Insurance contributions which GP surgeries may face paying. In addition to the funding crisis, Laura also pointed out the untapped potential of pharmacies to ease the strain on GPs. She argued that many people are unaware of the full range of services offered by local pharmacies.