Royal Glam A&E plans paused until Covid-19 is under control
PLANS to downgrade accident and emergency services at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital have been put on hold.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board announced that there is a need to “pause and consolidate” the plans due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokeswoman said an update on A&E services at the hospital in Llantrisant would be given at a health board meeting this week.
She said: “At the meeting there will be an update on A&E services at Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
“The papers will say that there is a need to ‘pause and consolidate’ the project due to the health board’s need to respond to coronavirus Covid-19.
“Some background work will continue, to consolidate progress that has already been made and to plan for further engagement with the public, staff and our partner organisations in the future. Our primary focus over the coming weeks is to ensure the continuity of essential services.
“The whole NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge, and this must be our top priority.
“We are grateful to all those who have participated in the health board’s recent engagement events and we look forward to resuming our conversation with the public and our staff and elected representatives about options for future service delivery at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital once Covid-19 is under control.”
She added there will not be any work to divert clinical staff away from their primary roles during this time and papers from the meeting are available to view online.
Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones said: “Our focus at this time should clearly be on coronavirus, and I am pleased that the health board has committed to focusing on the challenges ahead with Covid-19.”
In January, the health board unveiled plans which involved either shutting the emergency department entirely and replacing it with a minor injuries unit and enhanced community services, or a part-time service which would see the department remain open between 8am-8pm.
According to the health board’s medical director Dr Nick Lyons, the reduction in services is due to “real safety concerns”.
In February, Dr Lyons revealed the A&E department was 17 consultants and 20 middle-grade doctors short of being safe.