Ammanford News
Health board under fire on respite care at Amman Valley hospital
7:30am Wednesday 8th February 2012
HYWEL Dda Health Board has come under fire after what appeared to be a U-turn over the future of Amman Valley Hospital.
The board has denied claims it had halted respite care at the hospital – despite patients and their families being told that by hospital staff.
“They took respite care away without consulting anybody,” said Cllr Kevin Madge, “but reinstated it within a matter of 10 days after some bad publicity.
“They definitely have plans to do things at Amman Valley, but nobody knows what and the board isn’t saying.
“There has been no consultation of any kind.”
Cllr Madge described how one devastated Garnant resident was told his wife would no longer receive respite care at Amman Valley.
“This was an 84-year-old man whose wife suffers from dementia and had been treated at Amman Valley for eight or nine years,” said Cllr Madge.
“It is a disgrace. The board has reinstated respite care, but for how long?”
Cwmaman mayor Colin Jenkins slammed a lack of “joined-up thinking”.
“It is just not good enough,” he said.
A board spokesman last week told the Guardian there had been no change in respite policy.
“Amman Valley Hospital will accept patients with clearly identified nursing needs,” said county director Linda Williams.
“For some people, respite care can be provided more appropriately in alternative settings, including their own homes and care homes.”
The beleaguered board was rocked last week when 50 of 60 senior medics at Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital declared they had lost confidence in the management.