Written question WQ88490
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board about introducing short term measures to combat the increasing number of patient pathways awaiting ophthalmology appointments?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Welsh Government officials meet monthly with all health boards to examine performance and quality issues related to ophthalmology services. I meet regularly with the Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and have discussed with him the need to increase both outpatient and elective activity in line with GIRFT standards (Getting it Right First Time).
The health board’s plan to increase productivity in this area includes the introduction of evening appointments during the summer, supporting community eyecare practitioners to treat more people in the community, the creation of advanced optometric posts, and the development of a retinopathy pathway.