The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has provided clarification regarding the cancellation of surgeries at Llandudno Hospital, dismissing claims that a malfunctioning lift is the primary cause. The board has attributed the issue to a planned upgrade intended to improve the hospital’s orthopaedic services.
Senedd Member’s Claims
Recent concerns were raised by a Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd, who criticised the decision to transfer patients from Llandudno to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. The member had described it as “absurd” that a lift problem could lead to operational disruptions, forcing patients to be redirected to other facilities already facing high demand.
The issue was addressed in the Senedd, where the Welsh Government Minister directed the health board to clarify the situation.
Health Board’s Explanation
The health board has clarified that the cancellations are not due to a lift issue but are part of a broader strategy to enhance Llandudno Hospital’s orthopaedic services. According to the board, significant renovations are underway to establish a new Orthopaedic hub at Llandudno. This upgrade is aimed at reducing waiting times and improving patient care in the region.
The spokesperson for the health board explained, “Earlier this year, construction began at Llandudno Hospital to create a new Orthopaedic hub. This initiative is designed to address orthopaedic waiting times and will offer substantial benefits to patients, staff, and the broader community.”
Temporary Relocation of Services
As part of these improvements, surgeries have been temporarily relocated to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, which is located about 22 miles from Llandudno. This arrangement, in place since March, ensures that patient care continues without interruption while the necessary work is completed at Llandudno. The spokesperson added, “Due to health and safety concerns during the construction phase, surgical activities normally conducted at Llandudno have been moved to Ysbyty Gwynedd.”
Patients are being prioritised based on clinical need and waiting times, aiming to mitigate any adverse effects of these temporary changes. “All patients are seen in order of their clinical priority and waiting period,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Plans for Lift Upgrades and Reinstatement of Services
The health board also addressed concerns regarding the hospital lift, stating that it will be upgraded as part of the overall renovation plan. “We intend to resume surgical activities at Llandudno Hospital once it is safe to do so. Work is underway to ensure the lift is upgraded in preparation for this,” the spokesperson stated.
Community and Professional Reactions
The temporary relocation has elicited mixed responses from the community and healthcare professionals. Some local residents have expressed frustration over the need to travel further for surgery, while others see the benefits of the hospital’s upgrade as a worthwhile trade-off.
A local resident remarked, “Although the extra travel to Bangor is inconvenient, if it results in better facilities and shorter waiting times in the future, it seems like a necessary step.”
Healthcare professionals have also supported the initiative. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon noted, “The establishment of a dedicated orthopaedic hub at Llandudno represents a significant advancement. It will centralise resources, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline surgical processes once operational.”
Although the current temporary arrangements may pose some challenges, the planned improvements at Llandudno Hospital signal a positive shift towards enhancing healthcare services in the region. The creation of a new Orthopaedic hub is expected to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery in the long term.
As the upgrade progresses, stakeholders, including patients and local representatives, will be closely monitoring the situation. The hope is for a swift and effective resolution that will see the return of full surgical capabilities to Llandudno Hospital, benefiting the wider community.
