Labour failing to tackle bed-blocking - Jenny Randerson

2.32.57pm GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

Official statistics reveal hundreds of Welsh patients are still waiting to be transferred to the next stage of their treatment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:

"Excluding mental health services, these figures show 521 people were waiting to be moved on to the next stage of their care in September. This was a significant increase of 58 people from August.

"Worse still, more people were waiting this September than the same time last year, when 482 people were waiting. More and people are waiting.

"Bed blocking is not good for patients who are ready to move out of hospitals. Most people would prefer to be in their own homes if possible.

"It also places a burden on the NHS. How many operations have to be cancelled because of a shortage of beds? How many A&E departments are heaving because there is nowhere to send patients?

"The knock-on effect is that ambulances have to queue to drop off patients, affecting vital emergency services.

"When he became Health Minister, Brian Gibbons promised to work a day a week to tackle waiting times.

"Despite a growing consensus that there needs to be greater collaboration between social services and NHS Trusts, the Government has failed to seriously consider shared budgets.

"I want to know why this problem appears to be getting worse. Rhodri Morgan asked to be judged on his government's record this week. Their record shows they are letting Welsh patients down."

Ends/Diwedd