Aberconwy Assembly Member, Janet Finch-Saunders has commented on new figures which reveal that reported pressure ulcers in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have increased from 28 in 2013/14 to 497 in 2017/18 – an increase of 1,775%.

The data, sourced by the Welsh Conservatives via a Written Assembly Question, shows North Wales’ Betsi Cadwaladr health board – soon to hit its third anniversary of being in special measures and under direct Welsh Government control – recorded 497 bed sores last year, accounting for 44% of all national cases.

The numbers account for both community and hospital reported cases, so not all occurred under the care of medical professionals.

Janet said:

“These figures paint a terrible picture, and are of utmost concern.

“Bed sores and pressure ulcers can have a severe impact on quality of life, often leading to patients feeling hugely uncomfortable, in much pain, and embarrassed.

“Shockingly, treating such conditions is estimated to cost nearly ten per cent of the annual Welsh NHS budget, despite being highly preventable.

“Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is, by far, the worse performing in Wales based on these figures, and will raise further concerns at the ability of the Welsh Labour Government to effectively manage this Board through their special measures.

“After three years under Welsh Government control, the First Minster, Carwyn Jones AM, should be asking himself some very hard questions about what improvements he has actually overseen here.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• WAQ attached
• 2017/18 figures are up to 21/03/18