THE NHS in Wales is beset with “significant and intractable problems”, according a major survey of senior figures in the health sector. Half of all respondents believed the NHS in England was in a better position to match resources to need, while 45% were convinced their colleagues in England enjoyed better relations with the private sector. Only 16% claimed people in need of mental health services in Wales had a better deal. However, six out of 10 insisted they would rather work in Wales. When asked to compare the state of the NHS today with 12 months ago, 70% said it was the same or worse. Marcus Longley, Professor of Applied Health Policy at the University of Glamorgan, said, “Overall, this survey reveals an NHS in Wales which continues to improve, but is beset by some significant and fairly intractable problems.” He concluded, “There is clearly much for the new coalition government still to do before the leaders of Wales’ health and social services start to express clear optimism for the future.” Read more…