A vocal and committed campaigner who has been pushing to address waiting times within cancer and diagnostic services, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has secured clarity from the Welsh Government as to what steps are being taken by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to establish rapid diagnosis centres (RDC) in North Wales.
In reply to a Written Question, the Welsh Government confirmed that three rapid diagnostic centres would be established in the region in early 2022, with the Health Board presently undertaking recruitment of the required staff. The Minister for Health and Social Services also stated:
“It is a matter for the Health Board to determine where and how to site centres in order to meet the needs of its local population. The Health Board must also take into account how to achieve this objective alongside the delivery of standard pathways of cancer care and must continue to meet demand for non-cancer services within its available resources.
RDCs have been shown to have a significant effect on diagnostic waits, with the pilot at Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Swansea Bay UHB cutting waiting times by up to 92% in its first year.
Commenting on the clarity, Janet said:
“For a number of years, I have been calling for a network of rapid diagnostic centres to speed up test results and prevent repeat appointment to hospitals. These centres will increase the capacity of our Health Board, helping to save lives by ensuring that we close the gap between diagnosis and finding appropriate treatment.
“We know that early diagnosis and treatment is key to confronting these diseases. However, recent research from Macmillan Cancer Support found that one in five of those diagnosed with cancer in Wales over the past five years said they lacked specialist cancer nursing support during their diagnosis or treatment.
“Whilst I am pleased to have now secured this confirmation of a recruitment campaign, any RDCs must also ensure they have the right staff in place to support people from the point of diagnosis with any concerns or anxieties they may have. With this in mind, I will continue to press for greater detail over the delivery timetable and support plans.”
In related news, last week the Member met with the Llandudno Hospital Action Group as part of her ongoing campaign to maintain and restore the services offered at Llandudno General Hospital. During the meeting, it was agreed that the Health Board should look to undertake additional long term strategic planning to understand what staff they need in a year from now.
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
