On the 11th of January, Joel James MS for South Wales Central led an important Welsh Conservative debate in the Senedd Chamber, on the rise of the effects of Liver Disease in Wales.
As Chair of the Cross-Party Group for the Liver Disease and Liver Cancer committee in the Welsh Parliament, Joel raised awareness on the worrying rise of cases over the last 10 years and the lack of specialist care. The Welsh Conservatives called for; doubling the hepatology workforce, seven-day alcohol care teams in all health boards and the implementation of care pathways to help improve the life expectancy of those suffering from Liver Cancer.
Joel said:
“Wales has the highest mortality rate due to liver disease across all four nations of the UK with death rates almost doubling in the last 10 years”.
“The number of people diagnosed with liver disease in Wales has now more than tripled in the last 20 years to the highest level ever recorded”.
“Though the Welsh Government didn’t adopt the entirety of our motions, I’m nonetheless delighted that we were able to raise awareness of such a terrible disease and I hope to see concrete action from the Government in future”.
By raising this issue in the heart of Welsh Governance, Joel ensured to signal his intent on holding the Welsh Government to account on this matter and ensuring they improve their services to the Welsh people.
During the debate, it was highlighted that January is ‘Love Your Liver Month’.
‘Love Your Liver Month’ is dedicated to helping people learn about Liver Disease and how its three major causes; alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis are all preventable. The ultimate aim is to increase public knowledge and encourage people to take steps to keep their liver in a healthy condition.
