Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, has expressed serious concerns about the healthcare treatment being provided by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, following the damning report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
In May, HIW determined that the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd should be designated as a Service Requiring Significant Improvement, following concerns about patient safety, leadership, governance, and the service’s ability to consistently deliver safe and effective care.
The follow-up visit in August showed a consistent picture of prolonged waiting times, overcrowding, limited comfort and poor standards of care being delivered. Many patients described waits of over 12 hours, with some reporting waits of over 24 hours, alongside difficulties accessing seating, food, drink and toileting support.
This is, unfortunately, further confirmation of the poor conditions and delays that are leading to corridor care taking place.
However, it is essential that it is noted that the medical staff were consistently described as caring, professional and compassionate.
Yet, the leadership and governance arrangements that were put in place have failed to consistently drive learning, staff engagement, measurable improvement or a sustained reduction in risk.
Following this report, Janet commented:
“While I am deeply concerned about the findings of the latest report from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, I am not surprised. On a regular basis, I have constituents attending meetings in my office or reaching out to me for assistance because they are struggling to get appointments or have had seriously poor experiences of their time in A&E.
“I have also had reports from constituents and healthcare providers of ambulance workers finishing their shifts while a patient is waiting for handover, only to return the next day and find the same patient still waiting. Many residents are also now being put off attending A&E, even when they need to, because of the prospect of long waits and sitting in pain for hours.
“This is completely unacceptable. These incidents and the continuation of corridor care are placing significant stress on both patients and healthcare providers, who want to be able to provide support and treat patients in the best way possible, but are being let down. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the hardworking medical staff for all that they do.
“While the blame for these conditions should rightly be directed towards the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board leadership team, the blame should also be strongly directed towards both the former Welsh Labour and current Plaid Cymru Welsh Governments. As this Health Board has been under special measures, the buck stops with the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care.
“In Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Plaid Cymru have failed to meeting their commitments in reducing waiting times. Urgent action needs to be taken immediately to address the state of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and the Health Board in general. It is for this reason I am calling on the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care Mabon ap Gwynfor to make an urgent statement in the chamber next week.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
