MS argues region needs surgical hub

THE Bridgend region needs a dedicated surgical hub to help clear a backlog of operation waiting lists, it has been argued.

Conservative regional MS for South Wales West Dr Altaf Hussain has written to Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board - which delivers health services in Bridgend - urging them to set up a surgical hub to deal with what he has described as “massive waiting lists” for new knees, hips and other orthopaedic operations.

Dr Hussain, who is himself a retired orthopaedic surgeon, has contacted the board’s acting chair Emrys Elias to urge him to follow the lead of Swansea Bay Health Board which is investing in four new operating theatres at Neath Port Talbot Hospital which will deal with orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

Another additional theatre is being provided at Swansea’s Singleton Hospital for eye surgery.

Dr Hussain said: “These are modular buildings which can be in place quickly, hopefully up and running by the end of the year.

“There are 682,000 people on waiting lists for NHS surgery or treatment in Wales - one in five of the population.

“This is much higher proportionately than in England where these surgical hubs are already being established.

“I am asking Cwm Taf Morgannwg to set up a hub somewhere within its area, perhaps using an already existing hospital as Swansea Bay has done.

“Waiting times for these operations were more than two years before Covid19 hit and I am told are now in excess of three years for many procedures.”

Dr Hussain said a recent investigation by the Swansea Bay Community Health Council (CHC), which interviewed 1,000 people waiting for orthopaedic and spinal surgery there, found that people were in such pain that some had considered taking their own lives.

He said the situation was “completely unacceptable.” Adding: “People’s lives are drastically impacted by long waits for these types of surgery - some are unable to work, engage in any social activities or even go out.

“Their lives are on hold and they are often in despair. If Swansea Bay can do this and get funding from Welsh Government, then so can Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board.

“I hope that they will already be making such plans and I look forward to hearing their response.”

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board was asked to comment.