Community bed shortage 'will hit Betsi's flu fight'

FORMER CONSULTANT VOICES FEARS IF CASES SURGE

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

A RETIRED consultant fears that a lack of community beds will result in the NHS in North Wales struggling to cope if “super flu” cases continue to surge.

Jonathan Osborne, a retired consultant, has been leading the Facebook BEDS campaign to “end corridor care” in North Wales A&Es.

Mr Osborne, a former ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, says he fears Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will struggle to cope during flu season.

His fears have been backed by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders, who called for an inquiry after a freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that in a two-year period 1,027 people died waiting for treatment in A&Es in North Wales.

UK health secretary Wes Streeting has warned of “enormous” and “unprecedented” case numbers.

While Public Health Wales says flu is at medium levels, the body is warning the “trend” is “increasing” Experts expected a winter surge.