What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to the workforce needed to support the proposed new surgical hubs, including anaesthetists and their broader perioperative care role?
I recognise that a sustainable workforce is fundamental to the successful delivery of elective care hubs. Workforce requirements, including the availability of anaesthetists and the wider perioperative workforce, are being considered as an integral part of elective care hub development.
The NHS Wales Elective Care Task and Finish Group has been asked to assess the workforce models required to support elective care hubs across Wales, including how best to maximise existing capacity through service redesign, improved productivity and multidisciplinary working.
The Group will provide recommendations on the workforce requirements needed to support safe, sustainable and effective elective care services as part of its advice to Welsh Government on the future delivery of elective care hubs.