Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has expressed deep concern at the latest Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) report [https://www.hiw.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/20230329YGCED-Full-E…], which has identified further failings at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. He has already raised the latest situation with his UK Ministerial colleagues.
This third report by HIW demonstrates their significant concern as to the ongoing provision of care at the Glan Clwyd Emergency Department.
Commenting, James said:
“It is clear that the troubled culture within the Health Board continues to impact very negatively on the performance of some services at Glan Clwyd.
“For those with life-threatening conditions to be unable to rely on an ambulance, or then to face dangerous waits on their arrival to hospital, is unacceptable in 21st century. So too is a regular failure to adhere to national clinical guidelines and safety measures.
“Sadly, HIW’s report found minimal improvement had taken place since their earlier inspections. This situation has gone well beyond what can be excused, both for patients and for staff trying to do their best. The poor patient flow through the hospital and over-reliance on agency staff must be addressed. There are many positive steps which can assist, such as the green light being given to the new Royal Alex Hospital.
“The failings outlined in the report are symptomatic of wider problems with the management of the Health Board at the top level. These were detailed by former Chair of BCUHB, Mark Polin, through his damning statement last week [Mark Polin's exclusive 1,360 word statement in full weeks after 'quitting' as Betsi chairman - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)], in which he was extremely critical of the Welsh First Minister and Welsh Health Minister.
“I hear daily from constituents who have been badly let down by the local health service.
“When people are at their most vulnerable, they deserve to have a health service they can rely on and trust. This is sadly not the case locally. Bold actions need to be taken rapidly to tackle the wider problems.
"I have also been hearing from current and former staff working within the health board, who are utterly disgusted with some of the things they have witnessed on a daily basis. There are very basic improvements that can be made that would not cost a lot of money - they just require common sense and good leadership.
"Last week I was pleased to meet Mair Dowell (retired Sister in charge of A&E at YGC), Anne Dennis (retired Health Visitor) and Jean Burke (retired Orthopaedic and Night Sister in charge at YGC), who all expressed similar concerns."
James added:
“Health in Wales has been devolved to Cardiff Bay for the last 25 years but I will be making UK Ministerial colleagues aware of the latest situation in North Wales, which falls well below that which British citizens deserve.”
Read about HIW reporting of the A&E Department last year: "There needs to be a greater role for the UK Government in ensuring the safety of healthcare in North Wales" | Dr James Davies
