Powys Patients Face Long Waits for Surgery Amid Criticism

Concerns surrounding surgical waiting times for patients from Powys have escalated, with the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) acknowledging that only one patient has waited over five years for treatment. However, a significant number of patients—71 in total—have been on waiting lists for more than two years. These discussions emerged during a Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) meeting earlier this week, where members addressed the pressing issue of extended waiting times at the hospital located in Gobowen, Shropshire.

PTHB board member Mick Giannasi highlighted a performance report from November, which indicated that some patients from Powys were facing spinal surgery waiting times exceeding 300 weeks, or more than five and a half years. Giannasi urged the board to investigate these delays and consider alternative providers for treatment to alleviate the backlog.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for RJAH emphasized that the data presented at the PTHB meeting represented a “point in time.” They stated, “Spinal disorders is one of our most pressurised specialties, with the demand for some consultants significantly outweighing availability.” The spokesperson acknowledged that while waiting times for patients in Powys and across Wales are longer than desired, progress is being made.

As of January 30, 2024, RJAH reported that only one patient from Powys had been waiting for five years or more, and that individual has now been scheduled for surgery. Additionally, the number of patients breaching the Welsh target of 104 weeks has fallen to 71, with expectations of continued reductions.

RJAH’s spokesperson noted that patient treatment is prioritized based on clinical need. They also mentioned that alternative options are available to reduce waiting times. “Steps include offering the chance to be treated more quickly by transferring to an alternative consultant at our hospital or to a different provider,” they explained. Some patients have chosen to wait for their preferred consultant rather than accept these offers, which they are entitled to do.

During the board meeting, members agreed to assign the Finance and Performance committee the task of further investigating the issues surrounding waiting times. They will report back to the board if escalation is deemed necessary, indicating that the matter will remain a focal point for PTHB in the coming weeks.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges within the healthcare system, where demand for specialized services often outpaces available resources. As discussions continue, both RJAH and PTHB are under pressure to implement effective solutions that will reduce waiting times and improve patient care for those in Powys.