RCS visit to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

On 12 Ap ril 2013, the Royal College of Surgeons’ (RCS) Professional Affairs Board (PAB) in Wales met with clinical leads of the surgical departments that form part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB). This was a routine visit - we were not at CVUHB to investigate their surgical services. Our commitment to high-quality patient care means that we often visit hospitals to understand how their surgical teams are working; this enables surgeons and other clinicians to share their knowledge and expertise.Although this was a routine visit the concerns raised were significant, and for that reason we committed to make a follow-up visit.

On our recent return to CVUHB representatives from the College met with management and clinicians from each of the nine surgical specialties working in Cardiff. They discussed their progress with their action plan and how services have performed during the winter.

Mr David Ward, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

‘During our recent visit there was significant evidence to demonstrate that the Cardiff and Vale Health Board had taken the concerns previously raised seriously and that they have initiated a clear programme of work to address the issues. It is also encouraging that a number of improvements have already been made. However we note that substantial work still needs to be completed in order to fully address all of the priorities the Board has identified for improvement.

'More generally, the College also remains concerned that there are still problems with patients’ access to cardiac surgery across South Wales. We would like to work with NHS leaders to see the long term plan to increase capacity for cardiac surgery developed as soon as possible, helping deliver high quality care for patients where and when they require it.’

Attached is a letter to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board following our recent visit.

March 2015 - update

Attached is the latest letter to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808. For more information please visit www.rcseng.ac.uk.

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