Patients 'waiting up to 48 hours in hospital corridors'

NHS chiefs were asked how Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s emergency department could be “de-escalated” when patients in Conwy are still reportedly waiting up to 48 hours in hospital corridors.

- By RICHARD EVANS

The issue was raised at a social care and health scrutiny committee at Conwy council’s Coed Pella HQ, where councillors grilled Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board chiefs on the state of the NHS in North Wales.

Attending the meeting were Dyfed Edwards, chair of the health board; Gareth Evans, integrated health community director; and Alison Cowell, assistant area director for child and adolescent health.

Mr Edwards began by acknowledging the challenges the board has faced since being placed in special measures two years ago.

He told councillors there had been “challenges in every area” but claimed the situation had since stabilised. He also pointed to significant reductions in patient backlogs.

He said there had been a 43% reduction in the number of patients waiting two years or more for treatment.