Ambulance Handover Delays Cause Crisis in Welsh Hospitals
- Eluned Morgan was questioned about the significant number of patients waiting over 24 hours for a hospital bed.
- Concerns were raised regarding NHS nurse recruitment and the rejection of a pay increase by nurses in Wales.
- The government faces criticism for its handling of delayed discharges, with calls for more decisive action.
During a recent session in the Senedd, First Minister Eluned Morgan faced criticism over ambulance delays and NHS staffing issues. Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds questioned the alarming figure of 1,427 patients who experienced over 24-hour waits for hospital beds following ambulance arrival in September 2024, highlighting a worrying trend of increasing handover delays. Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, raised concerns regarding NHS nurse recruitment and retention, noting that nurses rejected an above-inflation pay increase. He emphasized that the ongoing dialogue must address their needs. Furthermore, Andrew RT Davies of the Welsh Conservatives criticized the government's '50-day challenge' aimed at reducing delayed discharges from hospitals, suggesting inadequate targeting and its negative health impacts. Eluned Morgan acknowledged that delayed discharges are a significant concern but reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the issue through increased investment and targeted initiatives for the longest-waiting patients.