Mental Health

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:00 pm on 21 March 2023.

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Photo of Tom Giffard Tom Giffard Conservative 2:00, 21 March 2023

Thank you, First Minister, for that answer. I'm sure you noticed that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales last week published an extensive report into Cwm Taf Morgannwg's discharge arrangements from adult in-patient mental health units. I'm pleased to see the majority of practices were adequate at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, although administrative issues were identified. However, alarmingly, HIW found issues at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, specifically for patients admitted from Bridgend, including a lack of co-ordinated discharges. In particular, there was an absence of communication between the in-patient unit and the Bridgend community mental health team, including not inviting Bridgend staff to contribute to ward rounds so they could help inform discharge planning, and team staff being unable to access important patient information. This actually led to patients being discharged from the hospital with no notice to the local team. Furthermore, pressures on the availability of beds have led staff to bring forward planned patient discharges. Although these were for patients deemed safe to discharge, there was insufficient time to communicate all relevant information to community teams. Staff were also frustrated by the amendment of discharge plans without communication or agreement between all teams. Two patients discharged from Royal Glamorgan had significant safety concerns including self-harm and harm to others. That report was published last week, First Minister, and provided 40 recommendations to the board. We are yet to hear from the health Minister in this Senedd about it. Given that Cwm Taf is still in targeted intervention because of maternity services and that Betsi Cadwaladr has been placed into special measures, what urgent action is your Government taking to ensure that no patient comes to harm as a result of poor discharge practices?