WQ85760 (e) Tabled on 14/07/2022

What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address clinical psychologist shortages in the (a) paediatric cystic fibrosis centre and (b) adult cystic fibrosis centre in Wales?

Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services | Answered on 22/07/2022

The Welsh Health Specialised Service Committee (WHSSC) is responsible for commissioning Cystic Fibrosis care in Wales. It works with the Cystic Fibrosis care providers that it commissions to ensure that they are able to meet the standards contained in WHSSC’s Cystic Fibrosis Service Specification, which is itself in line with appropriate national standards and benchmarking.

WHSSC has made significant investment in services to strengthen multi-disciplinary input into the care for patients with cystic fibrosis including access to psychology services. WHSSC will consider any requests for additional funding to ensure continued compliance with the standards contained in the Cystic Fibrosis Service Specification as required.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board provides a service for cystic fibrosis patients in mid and south Wales. It is for the health board to address any shortages in the commissioned services. There have been some staff changes within the service and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is actively recruiting into the current vacancy and this post will be filled within the next few weeks.