Janet Finch-Saunders MS is calling for the Welsh Government to arrange for the data held about A&E waiting times in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to be updated to reflect the true situation.
According to the latest published data for August, 61.2% were seen within the 4 hour target time at Wrexham Maelor, 55.2% at Ysbyty Gwynedd, and 52.3 in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. All are considerably below the Wales average of 69%.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine have explained that we are not getting a true reflection of what is exactly happening in A&E. This year alone from January to June, 45,000 patients have been excluded from the data.
The missing data relates to patients falling under breach exemptions when, for example:
- They are clinically unstable and need more input from the emergency team
- Test results are needed before they can be admitted or discharged
- A plaster-cast is required on broken bones
- Input is needed by occupational therapy or physiotherapy
Commenting on the fact that A&E performance is worse than expected, Janet said:
“I would like to thank everyone working at A&E departments. They are delivering high quality care under constant pressure. It is essential that the data reflects the true scale of that.
“We will never get to grips with the challenges facing the Welsh NHS if there isn’t complete transparency.
“Wales is the only nation in the UK which records data in this peculiar way.
“In all honesty, it is no surprise that the performance is worse than feared. Countless constituents have reported to me waiting 12hours and more in congested waiting rooms in North Wales”.
ENDS
