Aberconwy Robin Millar is encouraging patients, their carers and their families to share their experience of waiting for surgery with North Wales’ local health watchdog. By sharing these experiences patients will be helping to strengthen the case for the necessary resources to clear long waiting lists and return to pre-pandemic waiting times within two years.
In 2018 the independent health services watchdog for North Wales – the North Wales Community Health Council (NWCHC) – published a survey of the effects on patients of long waits for operations. The report, ‘Our Lives on Hold’ described the human cost of long waiting times and contributed to the pressure on Welsh Government to fund waiting list initiatives to reduce waiting times.
Mr Geoff Ryall-Harvey, Chief Officer for NWCHC said:
“We heard of people in chronic pain and from those who had lost jobs to their inability to work. People told us about damaged relationships and being unable to participate in family life, looking after grandchildren or going on holiday.
“As a result of the pandemic, the number of people waiting over 52 weeks has increased dramatically. The NWCHC wants to hear how this is affecting lives and well-being so that we can build the case for additional resources to clear these waiting lists and return to pre-pandemic waiting times (and hopefully better) within two years.”
Commenting, Robin said:
“Ensuring patient safety and easier access to better healthcare services for residents in Aberconwy is a priority of mine. Even though health is a devolved service in Wales, I receive correspondence regularly from concerned patients, seeking help - many of whom tell harrowing stories of genuine distress and long-term pain.
“I encourage patients, and especially those that have been enduring, or have endured, a long wait for surgery to share their experiences with the North Wales Community Council.
“They will be holding face to face and online events, inviting patients, their carers and their families to talk about their experiences of waiting for operations. There will also be opportunities to comment through e-mail, social media and telephone.”
The events will take place on:
22 March 2023 at 1.30pm: Colwyn Bay Cricket Club
23 March 2023 at 7.00pm: Zoom – online
27 March 2023 at 10.30am: Y Ganolfan, Porthmadog
28 March 2023 at 7.00pm: Zoom – online
29 March 2023 at 10.30am: Ty Pawb, Wrexham
31 March 2023 at 10.30am Zoom – online
Those wishing to attend will need to register in advance by contacting the North Wales Community Health Council on 01248 679284 (nb there is an answerphone system in operation – please leave a message and a member of our team will be in touch) or by e-mail at yourvoice@wales.nhs.uk