[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Joyce Watson AM today asked for assurances over the temporary overnight closure of Llandrindod Wells minor injuries unit.
Powys Teaching Health Board last week (27 Jan) announced the unit will temporarily close overnight, midnight to 7am, from 1 to 28 February. Staff absence means they are unable to provide 24-hour cover for both the hospital ward and Minor Injury Unit during February, the health board explained.
At Senedd Question Time this afternoon the Labour Mid and West AM asked for a Welsh Government statement on the matter. Addressing Leader of the House Jane Hutt AM, Mrs Watson said:
“I would like to request that the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport makes a statement on the temporary overnight closure of Llandrindod Wells minor injuries unit. On Friday, I was informed by Powys Teaching Local Health Board that its minor injuries unit at Llandrindod Wells will temporarily have to shut between midnight and 7 a.m. for the whole month of February. I understand that it is due to a combination of staff absence and that the measure is the safest option for all concerned—patients and staff.
“Powys teaching health board are going to great length to inform patients, but it is likely the message will not reach everyone. It would be most welcome if the Cabinet Secretary would reassure people in Powys that these changes are just temporary, especially as the nearest alternative is 24 miles away, in Brecon, in one direction, depending on your starting point.”
Ms Hutt replied saying it is “an operational matter for the health board”:
“This is an operational matter for the health board—Powys teaching health board—and I’m very reassured, as I’m sure you were, that it was the health board that contacted Assembly Members, councillors and members of the public, making them aware of the closure as part of their communications. Of course, I’m sure it was shared with Joyce Watson that the health board is working hard to share information about alternative sources of advice and treatment during the temporary closure.
“I’m aware that the local community health council has also been fully engaged in this decision, and supportive. It is a temporary closure, as the Member said—it’s temporarily closed overnight between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. from 1 February to 28 February, but available, of course, otherwise, as usual. It’s important to recognise that, actually, there are very low numbers attending the minor injuries unit at that time but this is, of course, a matter which will be handled by the Powys teaching health board.”
The Minor Injury Unit at Llandrindod Wells Hospital will continue to be available from 7am to midnight seven days a week, throughout February.
The transcript of the 31 January Plenary session is published here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
