Cardiff and the Vale Bed Closures

Published: 12 June 2008

RCN Wales responds to the news of planned closure of beds at Cardiff and the Vale NHS Trust

Speaking following the BBC Wales reports that over a 10-year period Cardiff and the Vale NHS Trust is set to consult on the closure of Acute and Medical beds, Interim Director of RCN Wales Richard Jones said,

"A shift in care from an acute setting to a focus on care in the community is in line with the direction of travel outlined in Design for Life. However, this will require continued investment in specialist services such as community nurses and allied health professional roles. Many of these roles are currently deployed within the acute setting; health professionals who are shifting to a community based environment will require continued professional development to deploy these skills."

He continued, "We believe that the Welsh Assembly Government is beginning to take these concerns seriously. RCN Wales have lobbied for and are pleased with the 52% increase in the number of training places secured this year. This investment needs to be sustained over the long term.

"Other steps need to be taken; delayed transfer of care still needs to be addressed and this will only be achieved through greater co-operation between Health services and Local Government.

"There is a long way to go before the vision of integrated acute and community care can be realised. Continuous investment and effective workforce planning is needed; only this will shape the health service for the future."

(ENDS)