Written question WQ85539

Health boards are currently redesigning the way they provide elective services to enable more elective activity to be undertaken at protected sites, while hubs are developed.

In Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, we have invested in two new theatres to carry out protected ophthalmology activity. This will deliver 4,000 cataract procedures a year. Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Cardiff and Vale Orthopaedic Centre (CAVOC), also offers protected activity. During the pandemic, this area was repurposed to support other surgery.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is redesigning the way elective inpatient activity is delivered – the Royal Glamorgan Hospital will become the main elective inpatient hub. This will free up Princess of Wales and Prince Charles hospitals to carry out additional day case activity.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is looking at how to make best use of its hospital sites, with services delivered at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Royal Gwent, Nevill Hall and St Woolos hospitals. This includes working regionally with Cardiff and Vale and Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHBs.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has procured two new theatres at Prince Phillip Hospital to carry out additional day case activity, with up to 4,000 additional procedures per year being carried out.

Swansea Bay University Health Board is reconfiguring the way it delivers orthopaedic services. The majority of routine elective orthopaedic work will be carried out at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and more complicated activity will be carried out at Morriston Hospital.

In North Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is developing proposals to undertake additional orthopaedic activity at Abergele Hospital while it designs diagnostic and treatment hubs for the region. Additional day case activity is being undertaken at Llandudno Hospital.

In Powys, dedicated theatres for endoscopy and day case services are available for local residents and for other health boards to use.