Powys Patients 'treated as a second-class citizens' says MS
Brecon and Radnorshire MS, James Evans, slammed Powys Teaching Health Board's (PTHB) decision to continue with reduced opening hours for Minor Injury Units (MIUs) in Brecon and Llandrindod Wells.
'I fail to see how the Health Board's evaluation found 'positive impacts',' said Mr Evans.
'I hear of people having to travel out of county, considerable distances to access A&E departments, waiting hours and hours, only to be then treated as a second-class citizen because they are 'out of area'.
'The so-called improvements in service reliability and patient safety quoted by PTHB has only improved because the MIUs are closed.
'And any cost saving as a result will be nullified by the cost of other Health Boards treating Powys patients in their A&E departments.'
The decision to extend the 'temporary changes' to the units was made in a meeting of Powys Teaching Health Board earlier today.
It was heard that the decision had reduced staffing issues at the unit and reduction in the reliance on agency staff.
Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, Hayley Thomas confirmed that further 'unpalatable' decisions were being considered in other area as the board tries to reduce its budget deficit.
This financial pressure has also seen the board vote in March to intentionally increase wait times for Powys patients being treated in England.
'The decision made a few months ago, to delay Powys patients' treatment in English hospital settings is already starting to cause serious suffering and harm to patients,' added Mr Evans.
'I am hearing from constituents who, prior to this disastrous policy decision, were expecting to have operations in August, but instead they are now receiving letters telling them they will now likely wait two years for the operation.
'This is two years in pain waiting for a knee or hip operation, not being able to work, seeing their mobility reduced. All because of the Health Board's finances, not because of capacity issues or lack of nurses.
'Having no major hospital of our own in Powys, we cannot afford to lose any of our healthcare services here in Powys and I urge the Health Board to look again at our MIUs and expand the services they can offer.'
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.countytimes.co.uk/subscribe
As a digital subscriber you will get
Unlimited access to the County Times website
Advert-light access
Reader rewards
Full access to our app
Executive Medical Director at Powys Teaching health Board, Kate Wright said the recent changes had 'improved outcomes'
She said: 'Our priority is always to provide care that is safe, effective, and compassionate.
'The evaluation shows that these changes have helped improve patient outcomes and reduce delays in care.
'We will continue to monitor the impact closely, learning from the experience of patients and staff.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
18 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Councillors call on First Minister to end Powys wait rise
County councillors have written to the First Minister Eluned Morgan calling for the end of 'discriminatory waiting times' for Powys Patients. A letter penned by the chairman of Powys County Council, William Powell, with the cross-party backing of councillors after a recent vote, has called for the end of a policy which has deliberately extended wait times for operations for Powys patients in England. The policy, which came into effect earlier this month, deliberately lengthened wait times for patients being treated in English hospitals, which has seen some patients have to wait as much as an extra year for operations. A motion for the letter was put forward by Cllr Beverley Baynham and seconded by Cllr Joy Jones received the backing of a full council meeting. The vote voiced the opinion of councillors to 'oppose the discriminatory waiting time disparities and advocate for equitable treatment for Powys patients attending English hospitals'. The letter by Cllr Powell calls on First Minister, Eluned Morgan, to intervene and asks that 'the Welsh Government to provide immediate funding support to Powys Teaching Health Board, addressing the challenges of cross-border healthcare commissioning and ensuring equitable access to timely care for Powys residents'. It also demands "systemic changes in healthcare policies that ensure all patients, regardless of residency, receive fair and timely treatment". In response to an enquiry by the County Times earlier this week, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'We remain committed to reducing waiting times and ensuring everyone in Wales – including those in Powys - has equitable and timely access to treatment. 'We have been clear that all NHS Wales organisations must plan and deliver services for their population in line with Welsh Government targets and within the financial and staffing resources available.' The move builds on pressure from other local political figures. MP for Brecon and Radnorshire David Chadwick has raised the matter in Parliament, labelled the policy 'a disaster from start to end' and has now put together a petition calling for it to be scrapped. The Labour MP for Montgomeryshire, Steve Witherden, has previously labelled the policy as 'ghastly' and 'blatantly discriminatory'. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app And Powys Senedd members have both been outspoken in their criticism. James Evans MS was 'furious' with the decision and lodged urgent questions with the First Minister when the news broke back in March. While Montgomeryshire MS Russell George previously told the First Minister: 'This decision risks creating a two-tier healthcare system where Powys residents, who depend on hospitals in Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, and Hereford, are forced to wait longer than English patients, even when treated by the same clinicians in the same hospitals.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Children's NHS number could be used as ‘identifier' to find those at risk of harm
NHS numbers will be used in a pilot programme to share information about children between professionals in order to safeguard them under a new government plan The Government has declared it's speeding up its reforms to children's social care, with an additional £18 million being channelled into English councils and the launch of a novel pilot scheme. The scheme will use a child's NHS number to monitor them and their potential risk of harm across various professional sectors. The trial will explore the feasibility of using a child's NHS number as a "unique identifier" to track their interactions within health, educational, and police environments. This will allow these entities to exchange data and identify issues before they escalate. This NHS number for each child will mirror the function of National Insurance numbers for adults. As a result, it will offer a consistent marker to help those in charge of safeguarding and the welfare of children to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the child's circumstances. Thereby identifying at-risk children or those who may benefit from extra support. In contrast to National Insurance numbers, which are typically allocated when people turn 16, NHS numbers are generally given at birth. Moreover, they are currently used solely to exchange information regarding a person's health and dealings with the NHS. The pilot is already underway in Wigan, where the council and NHS England are integrating their systems. The effectiveness of this integration in facilitating the sharing of information about child protection concerns will subsequently be evaluated. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has highlighted the numerous advantages of the unique identifier system, which go beyond spotting children at risk. It could aid in smoothing the transition to adult healthcare services and ensure comprehensive records are kept even if a child relocates within England or Wales. But, they've also flagged up some potential drawbacks, such as the impact on children within the child protection system. Additionally, they highlighted the potential exclusion of those without NHS numbers, and the lack of consensus among agencies regarding the age at which a person is considered an adult. Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza commented: "The introduction of a unique ID for every child will help identify problems early on and prevent any child becoming invisible to services, so robust and effective implementation will be essential, using evidence of what does and doesn't work through this first pilot. "Children in care told me in my Big Ambition survey they want the same things as other children: love, safety and stability in their family life. "It's absolutely right that we prioritise supporting families earlier on when challenges arise, with the goal of keeping them together safely. I welcome this investment in caring for children and families but also in strengthening leadership locally, because my research has shown that decisions about children in care are too often driven by local capacity and resources, instead of what's right for those children's needs." The sweeping reforms will also require all local authorities to provide Family Group Decision Making services, which will involve extended family members in efforts to keep children with their families instead of placing them into care. Additionally, the service will introduce thousands more family help workers to assist families dealing with issues such as substance abuse or mental health problems. These initiatives are central to the proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Children and Families Minister Janet Daby commented: "Time and again we're told how failing to share information and intervene early enough means vulnerable children fall through the cracks. "These deep-rooted problems are symptomatic of a children's social care system that has clearly been stretched to breaking point. We're putting an end to sticking plaster solutions through our Plan for Change by investing even more focus and funding into preventative services and information sharing."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Full English fry-up 'at risk' as younger generations choose healthier options
The traditional full English breakfast is evolving as younger generations increasingly opt for healthier, plant-based alternatives over classic staples like bacon and sausages. The traditional full English breakfast is under threat, as younger generations are swapping out bacon and sausages for healthier alternatives like avocado and spinach. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 53 per cent of millennials and 49 per cent of Gen Z are also shunning animal products. There has been an increase in ingredients such as avocados, salad leaves, and plant-based sausages compared to five years ago. Spinach has seen the most significant surge in popularity, with Gen Zs consuming 10 per cent more than they did in 2020. Meanwhile, the once-beloved bacon has seen a 10 per cent decline among meat-loving Boomers. While Brits still have a soft spot for their fry-ups, 62 per cent are now making an active effort to ensure these are healthier. It comes after a man claimed 'I lost 10st in a year without jabs, surgery or going to the gym'. A doctor's warning to people who drink even a 'single cup of tea'. NHS warns mouth symptom could be life-shortening disease. A spokesperson for Just Egg, the innovative plant-based egg brand which commissioned the research ahead of its UK launch, said: "It's clear the traditional breakfast and brunch landscape is being reshaped with the trend towards more plant-based foods. "With old classics such as bacon and eggs hitting a downtrend – and plant power on the rise. But it's clear old favourites like the Full English aren't going anywhere – they're just adapting as our tastes and priorities also evolve." As many as 41 per cent now at least sometimes swapping out ingredients such as eggs or bacon for something plant-based. Where as, 38 per cent now dedicate at least half of their plates to plants. A quarter have reduced their animal product intake with a focus on their overall health, however 18 per cent admitted animal welfare concerns were driving the change and 15 per cent are motivated to reduce their environmental impact. And an adventurous 14 per cent are changing their ways simply to try new plant-based foods. The most popular ingredients that have been swapped out are sausages and eggs, according to data. And even if they haven't tried it already, a third confirmed they would be open to trying plant-based egg alternatives in the future. With factors such as doctor and nutritionist recommendations (19 per cent) and concerns about cholesterol (15 per cent) given as the main reasons for considering this. Just Egg's spokesperson added: "The shift towards plant-based foods is happening for a variety of reasons, including health priorities such as lowering saturated fat and increasing fibre-intake. "But people are also realising that they don't have to sacrifice on taste – or cut out the Full English fry-up – to eat healthier."
