Bed Blocking is one of the Biggest Challenges Facing Wales -Randerson

12.16.21pm GMT Tue 7th Nov 2006

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are today working with the other opposition parties to force the government to review its bed blocking policy via a minority party nominated debate (see notes).

Welsh Liberal Democrats Health Spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM said "Brian Gibbons pledged to work a day a week to cut waiting times when he became Health Minister, but it obviously isn't working. Bed blocking is no good for patients who are ready to leave hospital. Most people would prefer to be in their own homes if possible, which would also free up much-needed beds for other patients.

"The government needs to take more positive steps to tackle this problem. Bed blocking is one of the major obstacles to an effective NHS in Wales and has serious knock-on effects.

Full beds mean there is no room for emergency admissions. When A & E wards are full ambulances must queue to discharge patients, affecting vital emergency services

"Although the Labour Assembly Government started to get this under control it is now spiralling out of control again. It is affecting all parts of Wales so it is not merely a question of the efficiency of individual trusts and LHBs.

"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.

"Those who work in the NHS and Social Services repeatedly tell me of the need to take pooling of budgets more seriously. This would mean NHS and Social Services would be working together, sharing responsibility for patients, and tackling the problem together."

Notes:

Item 11 of the Plenary Session 07/11/06:

NDM3295 Lisa Francis (Mid and West Wales)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Instructs the Welsh Assembly Government to commission an independent review of delayed transfers of care which will bring forward recommendations for both health service and social care settings to examine:

(a) the ways in which acute hospital beds may be used more effectively; and

(b) how the well-being of patients ready for discharge can be promoted.

The following amendments have been tabled:

In accordance with paragraph 5.9 of the guidance on Motions and Amendments, the Presiding Officer has determined the order in which they will be taken for the purposes of debate. Votes will be taken separately:

(1)

(2+3)

Amendment 1 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new sub point at end of motion:

the development of joint or pooled budgets for healthcare and social services to improve co-ordination between Local Health Boards and Local Authorities.

Amendment 2 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Add new sub point at end of motion:

whether there are sufficient social care places and appropriately trained staff available.

Amendment 3 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Believes that the review should consider whether it is necessary for the Assembly Government to compel local authorities and Local Health Boards to pool budgets.

Ends/diwedd