Conservatives debate

The Welsh government needs to "come clean" with details of key health policies for the NHS in Wales, according to opposition AMs.

Conservative Health Spokesperson Darren Millar AM was leading a debate on planning costs for health policies on 8 January 2012.

According to the AM for Clwyd West the government has failed to publish costed plans for key health policies.

In particular, Mr Miller highlighted the government's plans for annual health checks for the over 50s and the provision of primary care services at weekends and during evening hours.

Darren Millar AM said: "The health minister believes clearly that there will be detailed costings, but now we hear from the first minister that there won't be detailed costs."

He added: "I think it's time that the minister came clean on how she intends to provide checks for the over 50s."

Tory AM Paul Davies also stressed that the government was being "irresponsible by making uncosted promises."

Liberal Democrats Leader Kirsty Williams called on the Welsh government to provide detailed plans of the scope, cost, delivery and expected outcomes of key health policies.

Ms Williams also expressed her disappointment with the government's failure to publish costed plans for an increase in the number of health visitors.

Plaid Cymru Health Spokesperson Elin Jones called on the minister for an urgent statement on how exactly the government plans for health checks for the over 50s and extended surgery hours would be implemented.

Ms Jones said: "Our doctors need clarity on what will be demanded of them over the next few years."

Responding to the debate Health Minister Lesley Griffiths insisted that these key health policies will be committed over a five year period.

The minister stressed that she did not believe in "policy making on the hoof" and concluded that "finding new ways of working can deliver better outcomes for the same money".

Read this in Welsh.