Aberconwy AMs Concern about waiting times for ENT treatment in North Wales

Having raised concerns with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has received an alarming response which highlights further serious treatment waiting time problems at the beleaguered health board – this time for Ear, Nose and Throat procedures.

This follows a letter to the Member from Mr Gary Doherty, Chief Executive, BCUHB, in which the following key points are made:

• The waiting list for ENT procedures is up to 55 weeks long.
• There are over 537 patients waiting for ENT procedures.
• There are 70 patients waiting for urgent treatment.
• The health board accepts that the waiting time is “unacceptable long”.

Janet said:

“That around 600 people could be waiting up to 55 weeks for ENT treatment here in North Wales is completely deplorable. As the Chief Executive has stated himself in his letter to me, these waiting times are unacceptably long.

“I know constituents who are experiencing significant discomfort, and because of the Health Board’s failing to meet the 36 week target, are likely to have to suffer far longer.

“I am deeply worried that the Health Board and Welsh Government does not have a solid strategy going forward to actually improve the situation. This is clear as there is 55 week wait despite extra investment by the Welsh Government during the second half of 2017/18, so that more operations can be undertaken.

“It seems to me that the Health Board is, sadly, overwhelmed, and that it would be better for its hard working team, and those patients needing ENT treatment, if some were transferred to other hospitals across the UK for procedures”.