Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies AM understands the NHS Redress Measure – designed to make it easier and quicker to claim compensation after negligent treatment – is not expected to become active until at least the spring of 2010.

The measure was first proposed in July 2007 and received Royal Assent in July 2008.

Mr Davies accused ministers of dragging their feet and failing patients who received poor treatment on the NHS.

The South Wales Central AM is demanding assurances from the Health Minister that patient rights will not be compromised by the delays.

He said:

“No-one is expecting ministers to rush through bad legislation just to tick a box in their programme for government.

“But we are also not expecting ministers to take three years to bring into force new regulations they put at the heart of their legislative programme.

“The Measure was first proposed in July 2007 and received Royal Assent in July 2008. But it could well be almost July 2010 before it actually comes into force.

“Three years is far too long. My concern is that patient rights may have suffered as a result.

“We need assurances that ministers and officials are doing all they can to bring this Measure into being and that lessons will be learned so that future legislation is introduced in a more timely manner.

“Taking the best part of an entire Assembly term to deliver one piece of legislation is unacceptable and suggests a certain amount of feet dragging by ministers.”

“These reports are a matter of great concern and I am seeking assurances from the Health Minister about how this affects Wales and the Assembly Government’s immunisation plan for the under-fives.

“It is vital vulnerable groups, such as young children and the elderly, are protected from this disease. The Health Minister must explain what she plans to do to allay parents’ fears.”