The failure to recruit NHS staff in a rural part of Wales is having a “cruel and immoral effect” on patients, families have warned.
The Dyfi Ward at Ysbyty Tywn in southern Gwynedd was shut down temporarily two years back; however, the health board stated they still lack sufficient staffing to ensure safe reopening.
Relatives mentioned that they currently have to cover significant distances to see their close ones, with trips as lengthy as two hours to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said it had faced challenges in recruiting and maintaining staffing levels but would “rethink” health care in the area.
Sian Lewis, who lost her father just three weeks ago, mentioned that he was transferred multiple times between various hospitals away from their home during his last few weeks due to the lack of accessible care in Tywyn.
“It has been terrible; he couldn’t return to Tywyn at all,” Ms Lewis said to LinksToday.onlineproduced Newyddion S4C.
She expressed her deep sadness and anger.” She continued, “My mother is 91 years old, and she couldn’t simply visit him herself; instead, we children and our friends had to help transport her.
Lisa Markham, whose father passed away six years back when the inpatient ward at Ysbyty Tywyn was still operational, expressed feeling fortunate that her dad could be surrounded by loved ones during his last moments and remain within his local area.
I reflect with gratitude and appreciation… my [grandparents] and subsequently my father received exceptional care here during their passing.
His children and grandchildren had the opportunity to visit him, making those moments truly remarkable as everyone got a chance to bid their farewells.
She commented, “Seeing what Sian has endured due to her father being so distant can be quite infuriating.”
Activists stated that the considerable distances had become even harder to reach because of the sparse and inconsistent public transportation available in the region.
They indicated that this resulted in individuals losing precious moments with loved ones during their last days.
Janet Maher’s father died on the Dyfi Ward just six months before its closure and said having care in this rural part of Wales was “invaluable”.
“It’s so sad, cruel and immoral that they haven’t opened the ward.
The affection and attention they gave my father… he passed away after spending two weeks in the unit, and we felt incredibly thankful for the care he was provided with.
She stated, “Everybody possesses the entitlement to receive such care as he did.”
Betsi Cadwaladr stated that a lack of personnel resulted in the ward being closed two years ago; however, its reopening was anticipated.
The chairman of the health board, Dyfed Edwards, stated that an extensive recruitment drive aimed at local, national, and international candidates has failed to achieve the desired outcomes.
Mr. Edwards emphasized the introduction of the new community program Tuag Adref, designed to provide care within homes. He also mentioned the minor injuries facility at the hospital, which operates for five days each week.
He said Betsi Cadwaladr had no intention to close the ward completely and that the board would be discussing the way forward for health services in the area in May.
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