Following the finding by Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has seen a monthly increase in the number of people being referred for trauma and orthopaedic treatment since December 2017, she is seeking reassurances from the Welsh Government that the health board has a plan in place to accommodate the increased demand.
Commenting on her finding, Janet said:
“It is common knowledge that people are waiting an inordinate amount of time for orthopaedic treatment in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. This is a matter I have been involved with for some time, representing constituents and holding the Welsh Government to account for what seems to be its unceasing failing to lead the health board out of special measures.
“Whilst Vaughan Gething AM, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services admitted to me in June that bringing orthopaedic waiting times down to the national target of 36 weeks is plainly unachievable – even by September 2019, I have identified a further reason to be concerned.
“From December 2017 onwards, the health board has seen the number of referrals for trauma and orthopaedic treatment increase on a monthly basis. For example, the 2,505 referrals recorded in May this year is 45% higher than last December.
“This increase in demand has to be seen alongside the fact that 3,385 patient pathways were noted as waiting over 36 weeks for treatment commencement in May 2018. Therefore, I have written to the Cabinet Secretary again asking for a copy of the health board’s orthopaedic plan, why the 36 week target is still being missed, and an explanation as to what measures the Welsh Government is taking to help the health board deal with the increase in referrals”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question to Vaughan Gething AM, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services:
Further to WAQ76638 will the Cabinet Secretary provide a copy of the orthopaedic plan, explain why 3,385 patient pathways were waiting over 36 weeks for treatment in May 2018, and what measures he is taking to help the health board deal with the increase in referrals for trauma and orthopaedic treatment since December 2017?
Notes
Referrals by local health board (area of provider) and month
Patient pathways waiting to start treatment by month and grouped weeks
Cabinet Secretary Admits Meeting Target Waiting Times for Orthopaedics is “Plainly Unachievable”
