THE astonishing amount spent on management consultants by health boards is shocking. Across Wales over the last four years over £21 million has been diverted from wards and patient treatment to highly paid private management consultants.

The sums involved are not only huge but in many cases the health boards are increasing the amount they spend every year.

In the Hywel Dda Board area the scale is breath taking.

The growth in costs has rocketed from £318,000 in 2011 to £1,215,000 last year. I know that Plaid Cymru wants to see the existing organisation develop its own ability to find solutions to major health challenges.

How can this spending on private management be justified?

We already see excessive levels of senior health managers. Now on top of that there are these private companies making a fortune. For too long these health trusts have been unresponsive to the views of the public.

The total spent by the board is £2,176,000 over four years.

How will Labour ministers defend these shocking levels?

Or will they hide behind the unaccountable health board that they appointed?

Well done to Elin Jones, Plaid’s health spokesperson, for calling for much of this cash to be redirected to front line services. What exactly are the chief executives and board members doing if they need all this extra management expertise?

CHRIS FRANKS

Highwalls Avenue

Dinas Powys