Original by Shane Brennan, Daily Post - http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/shocking-rise-227-recorded-numbers-1296…
The number of people having to wait at emergency departments in North Wales has gone from 360 in March 2014 to 1,178 in March 2017
The number of people having to wait more than 12 hours for accident and emergency treatment in North Wales has jumped dramatically.
Aberconwy Assembly Member Janet Finch-Saunders has called on the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport to take urgent action to address the increase in waiting times at A&Es.
According to the latest figures, the number of patients waiting over 12 hours in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's A&E departments has increased by 227% over the last three years – from 360 in March 2014 to 1,178 in March 2017.
This equates to 63.2% of the Wales total (3,206).
Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “These figures are startling, and represent a real need for action by the Welsh Labour Government – who took the Health Board into special measures almost two years ago.
“The recent crisis at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd has brought this matter to a head, and demonstrates a clear need for the Cabinet Secretary to get a grip on this issue – a matter he is directly responsible for.
“I have called on the Welsh Government to take action, and will continue to hold them to account over their mismanagement of the health service in north Wales.
“Of course, it is essential that only those in need of emergency care attend A&E. Other services, such as the out of hours GP, pharmacies, and minor injuries unit, may be the best option for some patients.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have made it clear to the health board that we expect to see a significant improvement in emergency department waiting times.
"We have provided additional support to improve performance, and we will continue to monitor progress in this area closely.”
A spokesperson for the health board said: “During March we saw a steady demand in the emergency departments at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Wrexham Maelor and Ysbyty Gwynedd.
“There have been improvements; the number of patients delayed in ambulances at our emergency departments has reduced significantly in 2017.
“We’re currently working to resolve a short term staffing issue which has led to some patients experiencing longer waits in receiving treatment in our emergency department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
“We always prioritise the treatment of patients according to their clinical priority.
"This means that, at times, some patients whose needs are less urgent can experience extended waits in our department, despite the great efforts of nursing and medical staff working in these departments.
“Many patients who do not need full emergency hospital treatment may find that they can get appropriate advice and care from other NHS services, including our minor injuries units, local pharmacists or by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.”