Argyfwng y Gwasanaeth Iechyd Taro Naw


Argyfwng y Gwasanaeth Iechyd

Similar Content

Browse content similar to Argyfwng y Gwasanaeth Iechyd. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!

Transcript


LineFromTo

888

0:00:000:00:00

888

0:00:000:00:01

Tonight, the biggest change to the NHS for years.

0:00:010:00:05

During the summer, two health boards published their plans.

0:00:050:00:09

Now, they want to hear the public's views.

0:00:090:00:12

A number of people are ready to share their views.

0:00:120:00:15

This is not significant change for Prince Philip.

0:00:150:00:17

I'm going to answer the question.

0:00:180:00:20

CROWD: Don't close the hospital!

0:00:200:00:23

If they close the hospital, Blaenau will die.

0:00:230:00:27

With an ageing population and a diminishing budget...

0:00:270:00:31

..the challenges are huge. For some, change must happen.

0:00:310:00:35

Some of the things taking place at Welsh hospitals aren't safe.

0:00:350:00:40

Taro Naw reveals details of a confidential health board document..

0:00:400:00:43

..which discusses the effect on jobs.

0:00:440:00:48

888

0:00:480:00:50

888

0:00:500:00:52

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd.

0:01:220:01:25

Here, among slate quarries, a new kind of industry is succeeding.

0:01:250:01:31

Downhill mountain biking.

0:01:330:01:36

Despite the success of the site, one thing worries the scheme's leaders -

0:01:410:01:46

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board's plans to close the local hospital.

0:01:460:01:52

It's the worst time to close Blaenau Hospital.

0:01:520:01:55

The type of riding and skill levels here...

0:01:550:02:00

..means accidents are going to be unavoidable.

0:02:000:02:04

Everyone who rides mountain bikes understands what the dangers are.

0:02:040:02:10

What we realize is that people pick up nasty cuts.

0:02:100:02:15

The terrain we have here, with the slate...

0:02:160:02:20

..means wounds have to be cleaned properly.

0:02:200:02:23

Change is afoot across Wales, not just in Blaenau.

0:02:230:02:29

The health boards are responding to the Welsh Government's policy...

0:02:290:02:32

..of a five-year vision for the NHS.

0:02:320:02:35

More care at home and centralization of some services.

0:02:360:02:39

The plans for Blaenau Ffestiniog are part of the health board's plans...

0:02:410:02:44

..to improve the service in North Wales.

0:02:440:02:46

I cannot film inside the hospital because I do not have permission.

0:02:470:02:52

But I can tell you there are 12 beds for inpatients.

0:02:520:02:56

There is also a minor accident unit.

0:02:560:02:59

Keeping the doors open costs £800,000 a year.

0:02:590:03:02

Under the health board's plans, it would all disappear.

0:03:030:03:08

I went to meet one family which insists the hospital is crucial.

0:03:080:03:12

Good afternoon. I'm Garry. How are you?

0:03:130:03:16

Sharon O'Neill and her mother, Jean Evans, live close to the hospital.

0:03:160:03:21

When I visited, Sharon's father, Wil Evans, was in hospital.

0:03:220:03:27

He had problems with his kidneys, his heart and dementia.

0:03:270:03:31

When you look out of the window and see the hospital, how do you feel?

0:03:320:03:38

I feel sad.

0:03:380:03:39

I look up and I know my father is there.

0:03:390:03:43

I say good morning when I open the curtains every morning.

0:03:430:03:49

We don't know how long Dad will be with us.

0:03:490:03:53

I want to be close to him.

0:03:530:03:55

To see it not as a hospital...

0:03:550:03:58

..because I've spent a lot of time there too with illnesses...

0:03:580:04:03

They've been wonderful. I can't fault it.

0:04:030:04:06

Aren't you being a little emotional, sentimental, perhaps?

0:04:060:04:11

Things have moved on now and there are newer services?

0:04:110:04:15

No, it's part of Blaenau. That was built for Blaenau people.

0:04:150:04:18

The hospital opened in 1925...

0:04:180:04:21

..in memory of those who died in World War I.

0:04:210:04:24

Local slate workers paid for it.

0:04:250:04:27

The name of Sharon O'Neill's uncle, her father's brother...

0:04:290:04:32

..is on the memorial.

0:04:320:04:34

Another relative helped build the hospital.

0:04:340:04:37

They built the hospital for the area.

0:04:380:04:40

If they decide to close it, they should hand it back.

0:04:410:04:45

The community should then decide what to do with it.

0:04:450:04:49

Last week, Wil Evans was moved to a nursing home 12 miles away.

0:04:500:04:56

When I visited the family before he was moved...

0:04:560:05:00

..the importance of having him nearby was clear.

0:05:000:05:04

It means I can see the hospital from the house.

0:05:040:05:06

And I know that if... I know he's dying. They told me he's dying.

0:05:070:05:12

Yes.

0:05:130:05:14

I'm sorry.

0:05:210:05:22

It's the fact that if they move him from there...

0:05:250:05:28

..it will be really difficult to go and visit.

0:05:280:05:32

The health board says there have been staffing problems.

0:05:340:05:39

Beds have had to be moved...

0:05:390:05:41

..and the minor injuries unit temporary closed.

0:05:410:05:45

The aim is to relocate the unit and the beds...

0:05:450:05:49

..14 miles away to Alltwen Hospital in Tremadog.

0:05:490:05:55

Staffing problems are an excuse...

0:05:570:05:59

..according to the chairman of the hospital's protection board.

0:05:590:06:02

They won't spend on overtime for current members of staff.

0:06:030:06:06

They won't spend to bring in extra members of staff.

0:06:060:06:09

That problem is a recent one. The health board created it.

0:06:100:06:15

Alltwen Hospital was opened three years ago.

0:06:150:06:20

The health board emphasises it has modern facilities...

0:06:200:06:24

..and can treat more patients.

0:06:250:06:27

Looking at the building, it's an old building.

0:06:270:06:31

You now have an opportunity to get modern facilities.

0:06:310:06:36

Until you've been inside, and heard people's experiences...

0:06:370:06:42

..then you would never describe it as old or old fashioned.

0:06:420:06:46

The care here is excellent.

0:06:470:06:49

Travelling to Alltwen Hospital worries Sharon O'Neill.

0:06:500:06:54

Buses are very rare here. They only go once every hour or so.

0:06:540:06:59

I'm fortunate because I have a car.

0:06:590:07:03

But what about the elderly who want to go to Alltwen?

0:07:030:07:09

It will be difficult.

0:07:090:07:10

It's a similar story across Wales.

0:07:110:07:14

Services are being centralized, some community hospitals will close.

0:07:140:07:19

The health boards say this will lead to better patient care.

0:07:190:07:24

They say there are too many people are currently in hospital.

0:07:240:07:28

It would be better to care for them in the community.

0:07:280:07:32

By investing in home care, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board...

0:07:330:07:38

..acknowledges it won't be suitable for everybody.

0:07:390:07:42

Those who have to travel further for hospital beds and their families...

0:07:420:07:45

..will be given support.

0:07:460:07:48

We have looked at the community transport system, buses, taxis...

0:07:480:07:54

..and the third sector, such as the Red Cross...

0:07:540:07:57

..to make sure we considered these things.

0:07:570:08:01

But how do you explain the change to people in Blaenau Ffestiniog?

0:08:010:08:07

One reason to close is because the building is no longer appropriate.

0:08:080:08:14

There have been changes with nurses, staff...

0:08:140:08:20

..and the problems we've had concerning staffing.

0:08:200:08:23

We also need to move on with enhanced care at home in the area.

0:08:230:08:29

We believe that is something that will bring much more...

0:08:290:08:35

..of the care that is needed in that community.

0:08:350:08:40

The enhanced care at home scheme...

0:08:400:08:46

..has been run as a pilot scheme in Rhyl and Prestatyn.

0:08:460:08:50

Three years ago, in-patient wards were closed...

0:08:510:08:53

..at Rhyl's Royal Alexandra Hospital.

0:08:540:08:56

The money was used to provide care at home.

0:08:570:09:01

The aim is to extend the scheme throughout North Wales.

0:09:020:09:06

Janet Binns is part of the pilot.

0:09:060:09:09

As part of the scheme, a number of agencies co-operate...

0:09:090:09:12

..including social workers, nurses, physiotherapists and consultants.

0:09:130:09:17

This morning, we shall be visiting a woman.

0:09:200:09:23

We shall be taking her blood pressure.

0:09:240:09:27

We shall assess her to see how things are developing.

0:09:270:09:30

Usually, the patient receives support for a fortnight.

0:09:300:09:35

Without this service, the patients would have to go to hospital...

0:09:350:09:40

..or they would have to stay there for a longer period.

0:09:400:09:43

How are you? Can I come in?

0:09:430:09:47

There we go.

0:09:470:09:48

Right from the first night, they're absolutely marvellous.

0:09:480:09:51

Absolutely marvellous, all of them.

0:09:520:09:55

Not just the nurses, but the healthcare workers as well.

0:09:550:10:00

A nurse visits the home every day.

0:10:000:10:03

Also during the day...

0:10:040:10:06

..a healthcare worker will help with the food and cleaning.

0:10:060:10:10

They can have as many as four calls in a day.

0:10:110:10:14

The agencies work successfully together according to Janet Binns.

0:10:150:10:20

Feedback from patients has been very positive.

0:10:200:10:24

If they are at home, they already feel better.

0:10:240:10:29

They can see their families more easily.

0:10:290:10:32

We are in an area where people have moved to other countries or areas.

0:10:330:10:38

People can feel lost, especially in hospital without many visitors.

0:10:380:10:45

Clarence Health Centre, Rhyl.

0:10:470:10:49

The surgery is also part of the pilot scheme.

0:10:490:10:52

Dr Gwyn Williams says the scheme has been excellent for some...

0:10:520:10:56

..but not for everyone, especially those with mobility problems...

0:10:560:11:00

..or those who live alone.

0:11:000:11:02

A problem we've had is they've had to go to a community hospital...

0:11:020:11:07

..in Holywell, Colwyn Bay or Denbigh.

0:11:070:11:11

Because they are older, their friends are older...

0:11:110:11:15

..and their partner is also older.

0:11:150:11:19

They will have had difficulties when trying to visit.

0:11:190:11:22

This adds to the isolation and hampers their recovery.

0:11:220:11:28

The GP questions if there will be enough finance to extend the scheme.

0:11:280:11:34

My main concern is if they will try and make the best of what's there.

0:11:360:11:40

Will they be pushing community nurses into the scheme...

0:11:400:11:47

..instead of employing staff for the scheme?

0:11:470:11:50

That will add pressure on them.

0:11:510:11:53

The health board says...

0:11:550:11:57

..it does not intend to get rid of hospital beds entirely.

0:11:570:12:01

The board is confident there will be enough money.

0:12:010:12:05

We will have to reinvest the savings that we make.

0:12:050:12:10

That is the way forward with our consultation plans.

0:12:110:12:14

But changes will also take place in other areas.

0:12:140:12:19

Back in Blaenau Ffestiniog, about 200 people are protesting...

0:12:190:12:24

..outside last month's health board public meeting.

0:12:240:12:28

CROWD: Don't close the hospital! Don't close the hospital!

0:12:280:12:32

The emotion is clear and similar scenes can be found elsewhere.

0:12:320:12:38

Recently, it became clear that every health board is behind...

0:12:380:12:44

..when it comes to making savings.

0:12:440:12:47

One health economist says savings isn't the only reason for change.

0:12:470:12:51

The cost, not just the financial cost...

0:12:520:12:55

..of running services at local hospitals is higher.

0:12:550:12:59

If they're not secure, the standard won't be there...

0:13:000:13:03

..to ensure patients get the required service.

0:13:030:13:07

That is why we must change the system.

0:13:070:13:09

A whole list of things makes the situation more complicated.

0:13:090:13:15

There is less money to spend and more people are living longer.

0:13:150:13:19

Health boards admit they don't always reach their targets.

0:13:190:13:23

They say some services are in danger of collapsing...

0:13:230:13:28

..because of a shortage of doctors.

0:13:280:13:31

There's enough evidence and enough research has been done...

0:13:310:13:34

..to show the system we have is unaffordable.

0:13:340:13:39

People need to understand there are many more risks in the system...

0:13:390:13:45

..if we retain the status quo. We also have financial problems.

0:13:450:13:50

.

0:00:000:00:00

Llanelli and a Hywel Dda health board public meeting.

0:14:030:14:08

The health board wants to change things over the next five years...

0:14:080:14:13

..as do other boards in Wales.

0:14:130:14:15

They intend to invest £40 million in care in the community.

0:14:150:14:18

But those gathered here only want to discuss one thing...

0:14:180:14:23

..the emergency service plans for the local Prince Philip Hospital.

0:14:230:14:27

Your have to go back to the drawing board. This is a bad idea.

0:14:270:14:31

Let me tell you, moving A&E, people will die. No question.

0:14:320:14:36

Under the plans, the A&E unit will change its name...

0:14:400:14:44

..to the Local Accident Centre and will be led by nurses...

0:14:440:14:48

..rather than by the current emergency consultant.

0:14:480:14:53

They will be treating minor illnesses and injuries.

0:14:540:14:57

This is not significant change, in terms of Prince Philip.

0:14:580:15:02

Can I just answer the question?

0:15:020:15:05

This is not significant change, in terms of Prince Philip.

0:15:060:15:10

I'm going to answer the question, if you let me answer it.

0:15:100:15:13

That was the clear message from the board, no significant change.

0:15:140:15:18

Despite the unit's current name, it is misleading.

0:15:180:15:23

We cannot continue to call it something which it isn't.

0:15:230:15:27

Visitors to Llanelli would hope that there would be...

0:15:270:15:31

..the whole range of back-up specialities in the hospital...

0:15:310:15:35

..because it's says A&E above the door. It means something.

0:15:350:15:39

If you have it there and there are not the appropriate specialists...

0:15:390:15:43

..that is a recipe for disaster.

0:15:430:15:46

There will also be an emergency assessment unit...

0:15:460:15:51

..for conditions such as strokes, diabetes and heart problems.

0:15:510:15:57

Geraint Hopkins attended the meeting.

0:15:570:16:00

He disagrees there are no changes under the plans.

0:16:000:16:03

Nothing against the nurses, but this nurse-led unit won't work.

0:16:040:16:09

Say you go there with a headache, you're given paracetamol...

0:16:090:16:15

..you could be having a brain haemorrhage.

0:16:150:16:18

The nurses are not qualified to tell you what is wrong.

0:16:180:16:22

The nurses will receive support and training...

0:16:230:16:26

..from emergency consultants via video link, say Hywel Dda.

0:16:270:16:31

As it is a 24-hour service, it will be better than the current system...

0:16:310:16:35

..where GPs provide night time care.

0:16:360:16:39

Geraint Hopkins is worried there will be extra pressure...

0:16:410:16:44

..on the ambulance service with patients travelling further...

0:16:440:16:48

..to Carmarthen or Swansea.

0:16:480:16:50

He says the service is already under pressure.

0:16:500:16:53

He recently called an ambulance for his wife...

0:16:530:16:56

..who suffers from an unusual allergy.

0:16:560:17:00

There was no ambulance available. I spoke to the woman on the phone.

0:17:010:17:05

She told me, "You can't move her. You must leave her on the floor."

0:17:050:17:10

"I have to get her to hospital in ten minutes...

0:17:100:17:14

"..so they can give her hydrocortisone...

0:17:140:17:17

"..or she'll have a second anaphylaxis

0:17:170:17:20

She said, "I can't do anything." Well, she couldn't breathe.

0:17:210:17:24

She was changing colour. Luckily, the rapid response turned up.

0:17:250:17:29

While arguments remain over the name, one body is warning...

0:17:290:17:33

..that a national policy is needed in naming emergency centres.

0:17:340:17:39

With so many changes planned, there is the potential for confusion.

0:17:390:17:44

We know they're called minor injury units, local accident centres...

0:17:450:17:49

..but we also know of units that are called minor injury units...

0:17:490:17:53

..that actually provide GP services.

0:17:530:17:57

This where the confusion lies.

0:17:570:17:59

It's making a decision on what we call them and what is provided...

0:17:590:18:04

..so the public are clear what they can expect.

0:18:040:18:07

A week ago, the South Wales health boards announced their plans.

0:18:080:18:12

Some specialist services will be centralised..

0:18:120:18:16

..with fewer hospitals providing full accident and emergency services.

0:18:170:18:21

But the changes are not restricted to Wales.

0:18:250:18:28

Across the border, changes have already taken place in many areas.

0:18:280:18:34

I travelled to Newark, near Nottingham.

0:18:340:18:37

In 2010, the A&E unit changed...

0:18:370:18:41

..and became a unit which would only treat minor injuries and sickness.

0:18:420:18:46

Paul Baggaley is secretary of the committee to safeguard the hospital.

0:18:460:18:50

We're constantly told that Newark Hospital never had A&E...

0:18:500:18:53

..because it never had all the specialist support services...

0:18:530:18:58

..that other major hospitals do.

0:18:580:19:02

Newark Hospital dealt with emergency care in Newark...

0:19:020:19:06

..and provided a great service.

0:19:060:19:08

The arguments presented to close the A&E unit here in Newark...

0:19:090:19:14

..are similar to those heard by campaigners in the Llanelli area...

0:19:140:19:19

..that there is a shortage of back-up services...

0:19:190:19:22

..such as intensive surgery.

0:19:220:19:25

Managers also argued that most of the patients coming to the unit...

0:19:250:19:30

..only needed treatment for minor injuries and illness.

0:19:300:19:35

Campaigners say the community has lost out following the changes...

0:19:360:19:40

..with increased pressure on the remaining full A&E units.

0:19:410:19:44

Recent figures show the number of people waiting over four hours...

0:19:450:19:49

..has more than tripled.

0:19:500:19:51

As more and more small hospitals close, more people have to go...

0:19:520:19:55

..to these major A&Es and it's creating greater pressure.

0:19:560:20:00

Added on to that is the pressure it puts on the ambulance service.

0:20:000:20:04

The average transfer times for people being discharged...

0:20:040:20:09

..into an alternative A&E is an hour and a half.

0:20:090:20:13

That's 15 minutes worse than the average for the East Midlands.

0:20:130:20:18

According to the health trust, they are acutely aware...

0:20:180:20:23

..of the importance of transferring patients as quickly as possible.

0:20:230:20:28

They're working with the ambulance service to provide the best care.

0:20:280:20:33

Back in Llanelli, no-one from the health board was available...

0:20:330:20:38

..for interview.

0:20:380:20:40

In a statement, they said the plans for Prince Philip Hospital...

0:20:400:20:44

..do not involve scrapping any emergency services...

0:20:440:20:47

..trained emergency nurses will treat most patients...

0:20:470:20:51

..while emergencies will go straight to the assessment unit...

0:20:510:20:55

..led by consultants, reducing unnecessary delays...

0:20:550:20:59

..in receiving emergency treatment...

0:21:000:21:02

..so there will be no additional pressure on services.

0:21:020:21:07

Most of Hywel Dda's budget is spent on the workforce.

0:21:090:21:15

There are no details on how changes may affect the number of jobs.

0:21:150:21:21

But Taro Naw has obtained this confidential draft document.

0:21:220:21:26

It's the board's draft document.

0:21:260:21:28

It notes and shows what some of the changes could mean...

0:21:280:21:32

..regarding local staffing levels.

0:21:320:21:35

Over the coming years, eight wards and four community hospitals...

0:21:350:21:39

..will close with nurses and clinical staff the worst hit.

0:21:400:21:44

The reduction in the number of jobs...

0:21:450:21:48

..will correspond to 319 full-time jobs.

0:21:480:21:51

But around 100 of those will move to the community.

0:21:520:21:55

As so many staff are part-time, the changes could affect more people.

0:21:560:22:01

But it's not clear, looking at this document...

0:22:010:22:05

..how many people will lose their jobs through compulsory redundancy.

0:22:050:22:10

The board told Taro Naw that they could not find the document...

0:22:100:22:15

..and therefore could not be certain it was authentic...

0:22:150:22:19

..despite it containing the director's name.

0:22:190:22:23

They added that no final decisions had been made.

0:22:230:22:27

The aim is to work with the staff to ensure efficacy.

0:22:270:22:32

The changes would improve experiences and work opportunities.

0:22:320:22:36

With 46% of their budget going on wages, savings in this field...

0:22:360:22:42

..are part of wider plans to ensure the best value for money.

0:22:420:22:46

All health boards across Wales will be looking closely at staffing...

0:22:490:22:53

..according to Professor Ceri Phillips...

0:22:540:22:57

..but that doesn't necessarily mean job losses...

0:22:570:23:00

..or that services will be affected.

0:23:010:23:03

We have to consider whether or not we need doctors to do everything...

0:23:030:23:07

..or whether nurses, pharmacists and physios can do certain things.

0:23:070:23:12

What we will see is health boards working with professional groups...

0:23:130:23:18

..to try and ensure a different skill mix...

0:23:180:23:23

..that maybe has the same effect, but at a lower cost.

0:23:230:23:27

According to GP Dr Williams, the effect on the workforce...

0:23:280:23:32

..will be significant.

0:23:330:23:35

You starting to talk about cuts of 8% per year.

0:23:350:23:38

You can't cut that.

0:23:390:23:41

It's going to come out of where most of the budget goes...

0:23:410:23:46

..and that is staffing.

0:23:460:23:47

Betsi Cadwaladr and Hywel Dda's consultation periods...

0:23:480:23:52

..come to an end at the end of the month.

0:23:520:23:55

In South Wales, the process has just begun.

0:23:550:23:58

Those at the centre of change are already raising their voices.

0:23:580:24:03

We're the ones who live in the area.

0:24:030:24:06

We want them to come here and live in the area for a while...

0:24:060:24:11

..and realise how much the hospital is needed.

0:24:110:24:16

The challenge for the health boards is to answer those concerns.

0:24:160:24:21

When the system changes, hopefully we will see improved services...

0:24:210:24:27

..better quality services for people in Wales...

0:24:270:24:32

..and the NHS back on its feet.

0:24:320:24:35

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:24:560:24:59

.

0:24:590:25:00

Download Subtitles

SRT

ASS