Lib Dems' 'immediate' NHS action

Lib Dems say the burden on A&E needs to be eased

Proposals to tackle the so-called "crisis" in the Welsh NHS have been set out by the Liberal Democrats.

The party said their 10-point plan, "Immediate Impact," was practical and could be implemented quickly.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru was joined on the campaign trail in its top target seat of Ynys Môn by Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party.

Plaid said that while the other main parties focused on England, they and the SNP "put Wales and Scotland first".

The Lib Dems launched their health paper in Cardiff, with a series of ideas including recruitment of more staff, and an end to the assembly government's "obsession" with short-term initiatives to allow the NHS to plan long-term.

Doctors, nurses, ambulance crews and other staff do a fantastic job... but they need more support Lib Dem John Dixon

Lib Dems would also extend the assembly government's second offer scheme - where patients waiting longer than the current 18-month target time can take up treatment in England - to those waiting over 9 months.

There would also be free prescriptions for the chronically ill, and extra ambulance cover in rural areas.

John Dixon, the Lib Dems' prospective parliamentary candidate in Cardiff North, said: "The doctors, nurses, ambulance crews and other staff who work in the health service in Wales do a fantastic job.

"But they need more support and assistance from government.

'Close co-operation'

"We would establish walk-in health centres, working alongside surgeries to ease the burden on A&E departments, make better sue of diagnostic equipment including the seven-day use of MRI scanners and ensure that community hospitals are used to provide intermediate care reducing the risk of premature discharge from hospitals and emergency re-admission."

we as Plaid Cymru and SNP MPs can work together to put the needs of our constituents first Eurig Wyn, Plaid Cymru

In north Wales the SNP and Plaid Cymru took part in unusual joint campaigning in the constituencies of Ynys Mon and Caernarfon.

Ynys Môn Plaid candidate Eurig Wyn said: "As European Member of Parliament, I have already worked alongside the SNP as well as many other representatives of the small nations of Europe.

"I have seen the value of close co-operation in order to achieve results for our respective countries.

"Unlike the three London-based parties, that are bound to a London agenda, we as Plaid Cymru and SNP MPs can work together to put the needs of our constituents first."

Plaid parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd will reciprocate with a visit to Edinburgh to support the SNP on 26 April.