Written question WQ85031
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What discussions has the Welsh Government had regarding the decision of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to cancel many of its elective procedures as more COVID patients have started presenting in hospital?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Welsh Government COVID guidance provides health boards the flexibility through their local risk assessment to be able to adapt their local delivery models to ensure they continue to deliver safe services for all.
In the case of Cardiff and Vale, they started to see an increase in the number of positive COVID patients in hospital in the days before Easter and as part of their Easter plans, adapted their bed position to provide more COVID positive beds by converting elective bed spaces. This decision was not taken lightly and was discussed with my officials. The main limiting factor was staff availability due to sickness and the Easter holidays.