October 24, 2022 - 1678 views
The latest NHS monthly performance statistics published at the end of last week showed that in September, 10.2 per cent of all calls to the ambulance service were red calls (life threatening), an increase compared to August and on average more than 100 immediately life-threatening calls made each day.
Given the urgent need to reduce the pressure on the Ambulance Service, such as by tackling the terrible waiting times outside of A&Es, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has urged Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to transfer patients bed blocking to smaller hospitals.
Commenting on the pressure faced by the NHS, she said: “There is no doubt that the NHS is under considerable, sustained strain even before we head into Winter.
“As the Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation has said, the statistics show continuing high levels of demand, including a high percentage of life-threatening calls to the ambulance service, mirroring what NHS leaders are saying about more patients coming forward with more acute needs requiring advanced care.
“I am aware that in some hospitals in Wales there are considerable delays in the patient pathway, with nearly half of hospital beds taken up by those clinically fit to be discharged.
“Bed blocking means that fewer operations can take place, fewer beds are available for patients coming into emergency departments, and less capacity for ambulances.
“Last Winter we had a bridging service at Llandudno Hospital which saw patients transferred there from major hospitals so to free up bed spaces. That scheme should be re-established in Llandudno, and other smaller hospitals across North Wales urgently”.
