What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board regarding long waiting times in the accident and emergency department at the Grange University Hospital, Cwmbran in May 2024?
I have clearly set out my expectations regarding the quality and timeliness of care delivered at the Grange University Hospital emergency department. This includes a focus on reducing ambulance patient handover waits and the time spent by patients in the department, in addition to optimising quality and safety of care.
I am meeting the chair of the health board next month at which I will seek assurance about performance across all key service areas, including emergency department performance.
Welsh Government officials, including the chief executive of NHS Wales, hold regular meetings with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board executives and continue to monitor emergency department performance in line with the NHS Wales Oversight and Escalation Framework.
The health board has received an additional £6m over the last two years to drive improvements in urgent and emergency care, and the national Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care programme is actively supporting the organisation to develop quality emergency department services, in line with the recently published Quality Statement for Care in Emergency Departments.