A Freedom of Information request, submitted by Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, outlined the number of compensation claims and the costs associated with them at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Wrexham Maelor over the past two years for late treatments, and late terminal diagnosis.
It found that Ysbyty Glan Clwyd had eight claims, costing £254,690.53; Wrexham Maelor had four claims, costing £67,305.81; and Ysbyty Gwynedd also had four claims, costing £29,239.95.
This will naturally have a devastating impact of patients and their families, as late treatment and late terminal diagnosis can have heartbreaking consequences.
Janet commented:
“While the figures in this Freedom of Information request are shocking, I am unfortunately not surprised. I have received many reports from constituents and senior medical practitioners about significant delays in treatment, as well as complaints they have filed against the Health Board regarding specific failings in care.
“This is leaving constituents stressed and worried. As we all know with life threatening illnesses like cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. These delays can end up costing people their lives.
“We must ensure that our Health Boards and the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care provide our hospitals and medical professionals with the support and guidance needed to enable them to maintain their excellent standards of healthcare.
“In addition to putting an end to corridor care, we must address the pressures on our NHS staff. I have had devastated nurses and doctors approach me because, due to these pressures, they are having to care for people in corridors rather than hospital beds.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
