AM Seeks To Raise Orthopaedic Surgery Cancellations in Assembly Today

Hywel Dda Health Board has confirmed to Llanelli AM Keith Davies that the decision to reduce elective orthopaedic surgery will result in temporary ward closures across the health board area.

Since learning the news from union colleagues late last week, Keith Davies has taken up the issue with the Community Health Council and written to the Health Minister Mark Drakeford. He has also been in contact the trade union Unison which represents staff now facing redeployment.

Keith Davies AM said:

“News of the temporary closure of ward 6 at Prince Philip Hospital has been circulating since the end of last week. I have held a phone meeting with the Hywel Dda Health Board Chair, Chris Martin to raise my concerns with him. I am very concerned about the effect of these on-going cancellations especially for patients who may now have to wait considerably longer for their operation.”

In a letter seen by the AM, Unison, which represents staff at each of the LHBs four hospitals, raises concerns about staff redeployment, the effect on patients and the impact on any investment to improving orthopaedic services within Hywel Dda Health Board.

In the Assembly, Keith Davies will later today call for a statement updating Assembly Members on Hywel Dda Health Board’s plans for unplanned care & winter pressure management in view of yesterday’s announcement.

“At the last Health Board meeting, the LHB acknowledged the financial difficulty they faced and outlined that they would be repatriating services in order to cut costs. I was particularly alarmed at the admission during that meeting that senior managers are now meeting weekly to manage their financial affairs.

“Despite huge cuts to the Welsh Government budget, the Labour Government has just announced that Hywel Dda LHB will receive an additional £15million to cover services this year. I am seeking further reassurances from Chris Martin and his Chief Executive, Trevor Purt that patients will not be left waiting endlessly for surgery which might not be classed as emergency but will have a positive impact on living standards and for some, a growing dependency on social care provision.”