P 18

Ymchwiliad i’r Adolygiad Blaenoriaethau ar gyfer y Pwyllgor Iechyd, Gofal Cymdeithasol a Chwaraeon

Inquiry into the Priorities for the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee

Ymateb gan: Association of Breast Surgery

Response from: Association of Breast Surgery

[Via email]

Priorities for Health, Social Care & Sport Committee Consultation

Dear Sir or Madam

This response is being sent on behalf of the Association of Breast Surgery.  Our regional representative for Wales, Richard Johnson (Consultant Surgeon, Princess of Wales Hospital), has canvassed the members in Wales and identified the following issues in breast care, for consideration as a priority in the next Assembly:

1) There is currently a critical shortage of breast radiologists in Wales.  This is a UK wide problem and is affecting clinic capacity in Wales.  At present the capacity to assess patients is being restricted by these shortages.

2) There is an issue around access to new cancer drugs in Wales, in light of the cancer drugs fund being continued in England.

3) It is anticipated that in the next 5 – 10 years a large number of breast surgeons in Wales are likely to be reaching retirement age.  It is necessary therefore to look ahead to this time and put training/ recruitment in place now to avoid this becoming a serious issue later. 

We hope this is of assistance.  Please let us know if you require any further information.

Association of Breast Surgery