Correspondence from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to the Committee, 07.10.15

· P-04-466 Medical Emergency - Preventing the introduction of a poorer Health Service for North Wales

· P-04-479 Tywyn Memorial Hospital X-ray & Minor Injuries Unit Petition

· P-04-564 Restoration of Inpatient Beds, Minor Injuries Cover and X-Ray Unit to the Ffestiniog Memorial Hospital

Thank you for your letter of 3rd July 2015 seeking an update on matters in relation to Tywyn Hospital and the Mid Wales Health Collaborative. I apologise sincerely for the delay in our response, noting that the original email was sent to the Chief Executive’s former PA who had just retired.  I trust that the following information addresses the specific questions you raised –

Tywyn Hospital

With regard to the minor injuries service at Tywyn, the opening hours were set to reflect the demand for the service, including the increase in activity during the summer months. I note the concern expressed in the letter that perhaps the current hours might be further reduced and I would wish to clarify that the Board has no plans to reduce the opening hours of this facility. With regard to the impact of the current opening hours upon demand in other sites, this has not an impact which we have observed since the changes were made. We continue to monitor access to local minor injury services and discuss this with the Community Health Council and we shall ensure that the issues raised are reflected in our ongoing monitoring arrangements.

Mid Wales Health Collaborative 

The Co-Chairs of the Collaborative have established a Collaborative Board which meets on a bi-monthly basis. The Board has established a work programme and a series of working groups  to progress the key themes identified within the Report.  The complete papers for the Collaborative can be assessed using the following link http://www.midwalescollaborative.wales.nhs.uk/home

Dr Sue Fish has been appointed as Clinical Programme Director for the Collaborative and she would, I am sure, be able to provide the Committee with any further detail you require regarding its activities. Dr Fish’s email address is sue.fish@wales.nhs.uk As a Health Board we are actively contributing to the work of the Collaborative and are leading two of its workstreams.

I trust that the information above is helpful to the Committee.

Mr Geoff Lang

Director of Strategy