North Wales Declares Health Emergency Over Poor Patient Care
A significant health emergency has been declared in North Wales due to deteriorating patient care conditions under the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). This alarming situation prompted Conwy County Council to take decisive action during a recent council meeting.
Conditions of Care in Crisis
The motion to declare a health emergency received unanimous support from Conwy councillors and was spearheaded by council leader Julie Fallon. It stems from widespread concerns about “corridor care” spreading through local hospitals. Councillors expressed that the health services are in an unprecedented crisis.
Cllr Fallon and other council leaders had previously sent a letter to BCUHB’s chief executive, Carol Shillabeer, and Welsh Government Health Minister Jeremy Miles, highlighting severe issues. Their communication raised questions about a potential policy change that could result in patients being placed in corridors overnight at major hospitals.
Health Outcomes and Community Impact
The declaration comes amidst alarming statistics, indicating that BCUHB now has the highest rate of preventable deaths in Wales. Many of these fatalities are reportedly linked to extended waiting times in the health board’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments.
- Calls for reopening community hospital beds
- Demands to end corridor care in emergency departments
- Immediate cessation of premature patient discharges
- Reinstatement of the delayed Conwy West Health Centre project
Cllr Fallon emphasized that the ramifications of these conditions are particularly severe for Conwy residents, who deserve safe and timely healthcare. The strain on the Conwy Social Care department is also becoming untenable, further jeopardizing health outcomes across the region.
Urgent Action Needed
Cllr Fallon described the current conditions as “completely unacceptable,” asserting that placing patients in corridors undermines their dignity and wellbeing. She asserted her commitment to advocate for improved care standards, expressing frustration over the lack of response from health officials.
“Enough is enough,” she stated, adding that in her extensive experience as a councillor, few issues have sparked such dismay. The message from Conwy Council is clear: residents deserve better healthcare without compromising their dignity or safety.
Council’s Firm Stance
The motion proposed by Cllr Cheryl Carlisle was outlined to represent the collective voice of Conwy residents. Other council members, including Cllr Jo Nuttall, supported the initiative, reinforcing that the situation must be addressed immediately.
As pressures mount on the Welsh Government and BCUHB, the call for urgent reforms in North Wales healthcare continues to gain momentum. The health board now faces increasing demands to ensure that the quality of care reflects the needs and rights of every patient in the region.
