People 'afraid of going to hospital' in N.Wales says retired consultant

HE TAKES AIM AT WELSH GOVERNMENT FOR NHS PROBLEMS

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

Retired consultant Jonathan Osborne

A RETIRED hospital consultant heading a group of retired doctors and nurses has slammed minsters for a beds crisis in North Wales.

Jonathan Osborne, a former ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, claimed the Welsh Government is partly to blame for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board being stuck in special measures.

In recent weeks, Mr Osborne has repeatedly taken aim at the health board, criticising long A&E waiting times and the treatment of NHS staff.

As head of a Facebook-based campaign group, he believes the first step to tackling the problem is reinstating more community hospital beds.

But whilst Mr Osborne has been highly critical of Betsi Cadwaladr, he has also weighed in on the Welsh Government.

"North Wales is full of nightmare stories about health care," he said.