Karen Robson

Last month Karen visited the Alzheimer's Society in Pen-y-lan to learn about the support offered for people with early-onset Alzheimer's. Over 100 families receive support through the project, which supports those with Dementia and their carers enabling people to retain their independence by living at home and is far more cost effective than residential care. However, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have said they can no longer afford the £30,000 needed to continue this project.

The Labour-led Assembly Government has recently reduced Wales' 22 Local Health Boards to 7, but has cut none of the higher management positions leaving more mangers rather than less. Labour has also failed to investigate reports that as much as £1billion of the NHS budget is being wasted. Stifling bureaucracy and waste are depriving the NHS of resources which are desperately needed on the frontline. Commenting Karen said:

"This is why care for some of the most vulnerable in our community has been cut-because our Government has the wrong priorities. Dementia is regarded as the Health and Social Care challenge of the 21st century. It is a cruel disease - one which I have personal family experience of. The support that the Alzheimer's Society offers, affords people dignity and respect. We need to expand services to meet this growing need, not cut vital support. I entered politics to make sure that those without a voice could be heard. If you feel strongly about the continuation of this service, please either sign the Alzheimer's Society petition or get in touch with me and show your support for this key service - together we can make our voices heard."