Written question WQ88565

Through the national commitment in the Planned Care Recovery Plan health boards across Wales have been developing their local resources/services to support people while they wait for treatment such as Orthopaedics. All health boards have information on their websites to sign post those waiting, and their carers, to either health board resources or recognised third sector support services such as public health support services to stop smoking, weight management, improving movement and emotional health supporting. Taking a more holistic approach, sign posting also includes services to support wellbeing.

Other resources include contact details for local support groups and how to self-refer for physiotherapy services, or in some health boards to dedicated waiting well services. For orthopaedic treatment, this includes support to better self-manage their condition, including pain management. There are also other specific programmes to help optimise people’s health in preparation for surgery and recovery such as pre-operative education programmes, virtual joint school, orthopaedic pre-habilitation and subsequent post-op care and rehabilitation services.

Later this summer we will be launching phase 1 of our national programme to support people in Wales while on waiting lists to ensure a consistent offer across Wales. This will be supported by an implementation plan to ensure that, by March 2024, all health boards will have a single point of contact for people and their carers who are on a waiting list. This service will allow individuals to discuss their individual holistic needs to help Promote, healthy lifestyle behaviours, Prevent further illness and harm while they wait and Prepare for their treatment so that they are ready for surgery if needed and to aid effective discharge post treatment.