Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 1:47 pm on 14 March 2018.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 1:47, 14 March 2018

Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. Staying with the Cancer Research UK report, they highlight the patchy information available on the diagnostic workforce, which is making it difficult for local health boards to make well-informed decisions about workforce planning. We know that there is a 13 per cent vacancy rate in diagnostic radiotherapy and have now information about shortages in endoscopy. In December, there were over 2,000 patients waiting more than 14 weeks for an endoscopy and a handful waiting more than 40 weeks. Cancer Research UK predict a 40 per cent increase in demand for endoscopy in two years' time. What is the Welsh Government doing to improve workforce planning for diagnostic staff and how do you plan to cut waiting times for endoscopy services in the interim?