The Member for the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has used a contribution to the Welsh Conservative debate on the crisis being felt by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to call for the publishing of a comprehensive workforce plan, a move endorsed by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
Mrs Finch-Saunders’ contribution drew on the recent first-hand testimony of many constituents, several of whom have highlighted the handover from ambulance to A&E department as a core problem.
During the first six months of 2021, a staggering 47,871 hours were lost by ambulance crews waiting more than 15 minutes to handover to A&E staff. In Betsi Cadwaladr, 16,937 hours were lost between January and June 2021.
Speaking after her contribution, Janet said:
“I wish to pay tribute to our Ambulance staff and crew, our switchboard operators and those nursing staff waiting at the other side of the A&E doors who are collectively combatting the handover waiting times. It is essential that today’s intervention brings about a positive resolution to see their concerns realised.
“Lack of bed capacity, staff shortages and an increasing number of patients turning to the ambulance service due to trouble accessing a face-to-face are all contributing to this issue. With winter pressures already appearing to bite in September, the administration in Cardiff Bay must now publish a comprehensive workforce plan.
“This Welsh Government’s so-called “NHS Recovery Plan” leaves much of the detail up to Local Health Boards and clinicians to deliver. We urgently need confirmation of what steps the Minister is taking to facilitate the ambulance service's request so that the British Army can seamlessly start in their assistance.
“Wales needs actions on these points now so that our Ambulance services can be empowered to work; their reputation restored and those patients most in need get the care they deserve.”
ENDS
Photo: by Ian Taylor on Unsplash
