P-04-520 Regarding the Cancellation of All Elective Orthopaedic Surgery by Hywel Dda Health Board During the Winter 2013/14

We the undersigned believe the cancellation of all orthopaedic surgery except trauma, during the Winter months 2013/14 undermines the human rights of patients and discriminates against disability. We demand that this decision be urgently revisited. All decisions regarding the priority of patient needs should be made by clinicians rather than the administration making decisions based on financial restrictions.

There are seriously urgent cases, other than trauma, already on the waiting list who without surgery are in danger of losing mobility and consequently their livelihood.

In a political climate where patients should be listened to, in this case they have not even been informed let alone been consulted, the Hywel Dda decision would appear to be directly in conflict with this principle.

Neither can we understand why orthopaedic patients should be targeted. This seems an over simplistic approach to addressing financial problems. Not only are patients affected by such decisions but specialist staff and trainees are not allowed to do the job they are paid for and wish to do.

We call upon the Welsh Government to reverse this decision.

Petition raised by: Kate O’Dell

Date Petition first considered by Committee: 10 December 2013

Number of signatures: 490