Aberconwy MP Robin Millar has welcomed both the review by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) into their provision of vascular services and the confirmation that contingency planning has been put in place to ensure that there is no interruption of care for patients who require aortic surgery.
In a statement issued on Tuesday 2nd August by BCUHB’s Corporate Office Dr Nick Lyons, the Board’s Executive Medical Director, said:
“In response to feedback received from external reviews and our continual focus on patient safety, we have again reviewed the way we deliver care to patients on some of our vascular pathways. This includes contingency planning to ensure that there is no interruption of care for those needing aortic surgery.
“As a result, a very small number of patients each week may receive their surgery at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital - or the Royal Stoke University Hospital, as already happens for North Wales residents with major trauma injuries. Each patient will be contacted to discuss their care and will be supported as required.
“Very specialised care for some patients is already provided by specialist vascular centres in England and we work in partnership with them to manage complex cases. We are grateful for their continued support.
“These contingency plans recognise the operational challenges we are experiencing due to staff sickness absence combined with recruitment difficulties.
In response to this statement Robin commented:
“I want to put on record once again my great admiration for the many professionals working tirelessly for us here in North Wales and in Aberconwy - in our hospitals and our GP surgeries, our pharmacies and our care homes - to deliver health and care services. I've commented many times before on my discussions with, and support for, the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. They have made incredible efforts to improve things for us in North Wales. My colleagues and I will do what we can to support them in overcoming the challenges that they face.”
Continuing, Robin said:
“Unfortunately, like so many people here in Aberconwy and throughout Wales, I have become increasingly concerned about the Welsh Government’s management of the NHS in Wales. I am receiving an ever-growing volume of correspondence from concerned patients, many of whom are in genuine distress and long-term pain. In March I launched our “Aberconwy Health Survey” and concerns about the provision of vascular services featured prominently in the results that I shared with the health board.”
Robin concluded by saying:
“I am grateful for the review that has been conducted and for the collaboration between BCUHB and nearby health boards in England. I am sure that this news will be encouraging for many patients throughout Aberconwy and I hope this marks an important, positive milestone on the improvement journey Betsi is undertaking.”