Welsh Labour is today marking an historic day in the history of Wales as the first Welsh Labour-inspired Welsh law is given the Royal seal of approval by Her Majesty The Queen.

The NHS Redress (Wales) Measure 2008 was given Royal Assent by Her Majesty in Council yesterday evening.

The Measure will give patients fairer and more equal access to compensation. The measure also marks a legislative first for Welsh Labour – with the NHS Redress measure having been a key plank of Welsh Labour’s legislative program, which was announced prior to the last Assembly election in 2007.

Welsh Labour’s Health Minister EDWINA HART AM said:

"This is an historic day for Wales and for the Welsh Labour-led Assembly Government.

“Welsh Labour is the first political party in modern times to have introduced a made-in-Wales law, and as Welsh Labour’s Health Minister, I’m deeply honoured to have had the privilege of guiding this essential measure through the Assembly.

“I’m extremely proud that in the week we are celebrating Welsh Labour’s greatest achievement, the establishment of the National Health Service that we can also celebrate the fact that our first made-in-Wales law relates to the National Health Service.

“The strong partnership between the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government has been and continues to be vital in ensuring that we deliver for the people of Wales.

Welsh Labour’s Secretary of State for Wales PAUL MURPHY MP said:

“The NHS Redress Measure marks a significant day for Welsh legislation. The Government of Wales Act 2006 paved the way for legislation to be made in Wales. Today we are seeing that happen.

“This Measure will ensure that a simpler compensation system is in place for people who are victims of medical errors. This will speed up the process and make it easier for patients to resolve compensation issues."

"With the Transfer of Functions Order for mental health and the domiciliary care Order in Council also being made, it really is a bumper day for Welsh legislation. These three pieces of legislation are proof that the UK Government, working alongside the Welsh Assembly Government, is delivering for people in Wales."