Will the Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to deal with the consequences of the cancellation of adult critical care transfer service in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?
The Adult Critical Care Transfer Service in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has not been cancelled. Whilst the Service is not commissioned as a 24-hour service, either in North Wales or South Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had attempted to extend provision to facilitate a very small numbers of overnight transfers. However, due to a lack of demand and the impact this provision has on its commissioned daytime service, the on-call overnight arrangement were paused in October 2023. The Health Board has put in place alternative arrangements for the overnight transfer of any patients.
Whilst the delivery of the Service is an operational matter for the NHS in Wales and by the Emergency Ambulance Service Commissioner, my officials are in contact with the relevant bodies responsible to remain informed of the impact of this decision.