Responding to the story published today about vascular services at the troubled Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Shadow Health Welsh Minister Angela Burns AM/AC said:
“The story from North Wales Live makes for uncomfortable reading, especially for patients who rely on vital services such as kidney dialysis treatment.
“There had been concerns before vascular services were centralised from Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan in April 2019, but the report seen by North Wales Live – based on anecdotal evidence garnered form patients – brings this into sharp relief.
“Before the move, the concerns raised by patients were about travel time, emergency cover for staff, and a lack of detailed plans during a series of public consultations.”
According to North Wales Live, the North Wales Community Health Council investigated patients' concerns and prepared a report – described by the newspaper as “hard hitting” – for BCUHB.
Included in the findings is that many patients feel "fearful" of the consequences any emergency might cause during regular dialysis treatment, and the health council has called on the BCUHB to carry out an independent review of the service.
Mrs Burns said:
“Patients need reassurance – something that Betsi Cadwaladr has been unable to offer time – and all new initiatives should be subject to monitoring and evaluation in initial phases to ensure proper implementation, and that the promised outcomes are achieved.”
