A LEADING surgeon has warned health minister Jane Hutt more money is the key to solving Gwent's waiting list crisis.

Yesterday the Argus reported how Gwent had the worst orthopaedic waiting list figures in Wales.

Of the 205 people waiting more than 18 months for surgery by the end of October, 173 - 84 per cent - were from Gwent.

Assembly health minister Jane Hutt has called in waiting times 'troubleshooter' Professor Brian Edwards to work with Gwent health bosses on the issues contributing to problems in dealing with long treatment waits.

He must report back to Ms Hutt by December 2003.

Orthopaedic consultant Witek Mintowt-Czyz, pictured, welcomed the review with reservations.

He added surgeons and management were united in asking for a long term investment strategy in the speciality for some time.

Mr Mintowt-Czyz has voiced his anger over long waiting times and lack of resources before.

"The Assembly has somewhat belatedly realised we have a serious problem with resources and organisation of resources.

"You cannot organise adequately resources that are grossly deficient," he said.

"We are very grateful to the Assembly for any assistance it can give us.

"If the Professor is able to identify an optimal placement of the resources we require, that is all well and good.

"If on the other hand, the agenda is that someone can come in and fix things for the same resources, they will be disappointed.

"Sometimes an outside view can be very helpful, to get a take on a situation that is uncoloured.

"They would like of course, to put in as little resources as possible to solve the problem, but at least we have a positive recognition of the problems we face.

"Facilities and staffing do not come for free. There are resource issues in Gwent and Ms Hutt has said she is looking to spend money available centrally to solve these issues."

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said yesterday on Wednesday that senior managers should be held accountable if Professor Edwards finds them at fault.

Mr Mintowt-Czyz said he is sure Professor Edwards will make his views known if that is what he feels, but added: "I do not think we have got anything to hide, either clinically or in terms of management."