What urgent action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that patients are able to access the services they constantly need following the closure of open access for adult epilepsy services in Newport, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, and south Powys?
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring people with epilepsy have access to the best possible care. We work closely with the NHS Executive, the National Clinical Lead for Neurological Conditions, the National Strategic Clinical Network for Neurological Conditions and the health boards to improve services.
As a result of staffing challenges, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is temporarily unable to sustain the open access epilepsy phone service. However, action has been taken to ensure people can continue to access the support they need. Everyone affected will be informed of the situation and the mitigations put in place to ensure they receive timely support.
The health board has highlighted the challenges faced by the service to primary care, and emergency admissions will continue to receive support via the emergency department or acute medical unit in accordance with their clinical need. Discussions have also taken place with Llais.
The health board continues to develop resource plans to support patient needs and officials will continue to monitor the situation.