3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: NHS Winter Pressures

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:34 pm on 10 January 2023.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 3:34, 10 January 2023

A constituent of mine fell and broke her ankle recently, and she lives near a large A&E unit in Morriston Hospital and a minor injuries unit in Neath Port Talbot hospital. She went to MIU, thinking that the waiting times would be less. That's something that is guidance on many websites, but it was appointment only. She was told she'd have to go to Morriston and the wait for an x-ray, she was told, would be 48 to 72 hours. She's immunosuppressed, so she knew that waiting in a crowded A&E department in flu season wouldn't be a very good idea and would actually be dangerous for her health. She is now going to have her ankle re-broken and operated on—a problem that could probably have been fixed with a cast. So it's plain to see that the plan hasn't worked. You mentioned in your statement that you will learn the lessons of the past weeks and months. So, what are the lessons for Welsh Government?