NHS in England told to keep Welsh patients waiting
Summary
Patients in Wales needing surgery like knee and hip replacements face longer waits due to a decision by the Powys health board. This decision asks hospitals in England to match the waiting times of NHS Wales, aiming to save money. The longer wait times affect many patients, leading to dissatisfaction and claims of inadequate communication.Key Facts
- The Powys health board asked English hospitals treating Welsh patients to use Wales' longer waiting times.
- This change is due to financial constraints, as faster treatment in England is costlier for the health board.
- One patient, Mel Wallace, now has a wait time extended by 45 weeks after already waiting over a year.
- Approximately 40% of Powys Teaching Health Board’s budget goes to services outside of Wales.
- As of recent figures, over 10,000 patients in Wales have waits of two years or more for planned treatments.
- The Welsh government says it aims to cut waiting times and ensure equitable access to healthcare.
- The policy excludes high-risk patients, like children and those with cancer, from the extended waiting times.
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