Health board delays must be addressed
WITH the Senedd going into recess for the summer period, the last day of plenary gave me the opportunity to raise further the concerns I have in relation to some of the delayed treatment times and overdue complaint responses from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
There are simply too many of my constituents having to endure unacceptable treatment delays.
Of particular concern is when something needs addressing or formal complaints have been sent to the board, the turnaround time for a satisfactory investigation and quantified response is much too long and is now in breach of the board’s own 30 working days response timetable.
As the board continues to remain in special measures status with additional management in post and ministerial intervention, I am of the firm belief that such serious issues must be addressed as part of this ongoing health care review.
It is simply unacceptable that a health board is unable to reach its own response times for investigating complaints.
The recent report stated that Wales is the only place in the UK where NHS spending is falling and where the Welsh Labour Government has not protected the budget.
Any improvements requiring extra resources at the board to turn things around does seem a very difficult task ahead in itself, but as the Assembly Member for Aberconwy I am determined for this to happen. Our hard-working demoralised nursing and administrative staff, along with our specialist consultants, are at the very least deserving of robust and strategic leadership.
Sadly, with many of the concerns highlighted of late it is abundantly clear that the Welsh Labour Government must take some responsibility for having ignored the progressive failings that have only just started to surface.
The scandal surrounding Tawel Fan has proved beyond any doubt that some of our most vulnerable have been so badly let down.
And I endorse the many calls for those found responsible for the abuse to be held accountable and legal action taken accordingly.