The report uncovered that trainee doctors and consultants are “scared to come to work” at the Anuerin Bevan University Health Board hospitals which are also widely used by patients from Powys
The report looking at the health board has been the centre. of attention this week as it added that chronic under-staffing and excessive workloads at the Grange hospital in Cwmbran were causing “very serious patient safety concerns”.
The report, which is also noted where patients were fall being the gaps with care, also mentioned issues at other hosipitals in the health board area including the Royal Gwent, Nevill Hall and Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.
The flagship hospital The Grange currently has the worst A&E waiting times of all hospital in Wales with only 41 per cent of patients in August seen within the four-hour NHS target, however hospitals across the country are struggling to meet demand.
James Evans MS - pictured inset - said: “This devastating report is extremely concerning. It once again shows the mismanagement within the Welsh NHS, and how the Welsh Government have lost complete control of several health boards.
“Citizens from Brecon and Radnorshire often go out of county to access health services in Herefordshire and South Wales and this report from the Grange, a regularly used hospital by people from our community has sent shivers down my spine. I will be urgently contacting the Health Board to air my concerns and call for urgent action to be taken. The NHS in Wales seems to be struggling to cope, with ambulances needing military support and now reports like this coming out.
“The people of this country pay their taxes and expect a strong standard of healthcare within our NHS. Their budget has increased hugely due to more money sent from Westminster to Wales since the pandemic, but worryingly this money does not seem to be hitting the frontline and actually saving lives and keeping our population safe.
“I find it unacceptable the people of Brecon and Radnorshire are not safe using the Welsh NHS. I have come to the conclusion that the NHS in Wales is not safe under Labour control.”
The report, which was brought to the public spotlight by BBC Wales at the end of last week, also stated that “almost all trainees” the authors had spoken to had told them they would not want to return to work at the health board.
Dr James Calvert, medical director for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, told BBC Wales that it was important to remember the report was made during the pandemic, “which has significantly disrupted the delivery of our health services”.
He said the health board was working to ensure the right staff are available to deal with “really difficult situations” so those who are training do not have to cope with the “significant emotional” toll of them.
Dr Calvert said staff shortages were being addressed, adding interviews for 21 junior doctor positions would start this week.
“We are listening to our staff to ensure the best service to patients, whilst also maintaining the wellbeing of our clinical teams,” he added.