A new assessment by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has found that ambulance handover delays continue to present a significant risk. Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, commented:
“While we must acknowledge that there have been improvements in ambulance handover times, it is deeply concerning that these delays continue to pose risks across the urgent and emergency care system.
Janet continued:
“I have heard from hardworking and dedicated paramedics who have arrived at the hospital with a patient, only to find that, due to a lack of available beds and space, the patient has had to remain in the ambulance. In some cases, paramedics have finished their shifts, returned the following day and found the same patient still waiting.
Janet added:
“The Welsh Government, and particularly the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, must urgently work with the Welsh Ambulance Trust to ensure that progress continues towards the 45-minute handover standard, which aims to prevent ambulance handovers at emergency departments from exceeding 45 minutes.
“The Trust has made significant progress in a number of important areas following recommendations from HIW, and it is essential that this progress is supported. However, improvements must translate into meaningful change for patients and frontline staff. The Welsh Government must now provide greater support to tackle these delays, ease the pressure on our ambulance services and ensure that patients receive timely care without being left waiting in ambulances for hours on end.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
