Janet Finch-Saunders MS has questioned the Welsh Government’s record on waiting times, and the pressure being placed on emergency services over the winter.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy demanded a statement from the Minister for Health, Eluned Morgan MS, regarding support for the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust in combating waiting times.
On Saturday, more than 2,000 emergency 999 calls were presented: a 17% increase on the previous week.
The Trust responded to more than 200 immediately life-threatening red calls.
Meanwhile, the 111-line received over 10,000 calls: the busiest day ever for the service.
Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, Janet said:
“In the face of a tsunami of calls on Sunday, the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust declared a ‘business continuity incident’.
“Some were left waiting for hours, whilst others were asked to make their own way to hospital.
“When considering that WAST staff have worked an average of 31,700 hours of overtime every month since April 2017, at a total cost of £61,166,262, it is clear that the continued operation of the service is hanging by a thread.
“In my view, pressure should be alleviated in major hospitals by transferring patients fit for discharge but awaiting a social care package to community hospitals where there are empty wards.
“The Welsh Government should also consider putting out a call asking for volunteers to help the Welsh NHS this Winter”.
ENDS
