Fairwood Hospital Future: Plaid AM calls for further assurances from Trust Chair
Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has called for the Chairman of the ABM University HealthTrust Win Griffiths to clarify the role of Fairwood Hospital for the coming years.
Dr. Lloyd has written to Health Minister Edwina Hart, asking for re-assurances over the future of the unit, following comments made by ABM’s Acting Chief Executive Calum Campbell, who stated that he had difficulty in seeing a future for the hospital.
In response to Dr. Lloyd, Ms Hart quotes Win Griffiths on Fairwood Hospitals’ future, in which he states that he is concerned about the way in which speculation about the future of Fairwood Hospital has become the subject of media attention in Swansea.
Dr. Lloyd today stated:
“While I share Win Griffiths’ concerns with regards to the way that the future of Fairwood Hospital has become the subject of media attention, it is not crystal clear from his response as to whether Fairwood Hospital will continue to operate in its current form.
“The fact that the Chair of the ABM Trust gives assurances that any proposed changes to Fairwood would be subject to detailed consultation with staff, the Community Health Council, the voluntary sector and other partner organisations, could in itself suggest that changes are planned.
“It would be helpful for patients and staff at Fairwood Hospital if the Trust were to signal its firm intention for Fairwood in the medium to long term, say over the next 5 years, so as to provide clarity of direction and purpose.
“While I appreciate the sentiment behind Win Griffiths’ assurance that any changes would be made subject to full consultation, it is not going to satisfy those of us who have argued that the current elderly care provision needs to be defended due to the unavailability of sufficient community care packages.
“With an ageing population we are going to see an increase in the number of people who will need medical treatment, and while many can be accommodated by community care, there will always be a group of people who are well enough to leave an acute hospital bed, but not well enough to be at home. This is where units such as Fairwood have a vital role to play.”
