Written question WQ93906
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 2 days
Question
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to increase the number of anaesthesia associates in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Anaesthesia associates (AAs) are highly trained and skilled practitioners working with an anaesthesia team under the direction and supervision of a consultant anaesthetist.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has developed comprehensive workforce plans to address workforce supply and demand in anaesthesia.
In 2019 HEIW developed a small-scale AA pilot in partnership with Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay university health boards. Unfortunately, the pilot was delayed due to the pandemic and resumed in 2022. Workforce demand and future expansion of the AA role in Wales will be considered as part of HEIW’s annual education and training plans, which are informed by health board and NHS trust Integrated Medium Term Plans. (IMTPs).
A small number of AAs have been part of the Hywel Dda University Health Board workforce for approximately 15 years.