Reports that patients in Montgomeryshire have not been kept informed of their options for pain management following the recent closure of the chronic pain service at Oswestry's Orthopaedic Hospital has been described as "disappointing" by Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
The chronic pain service, which was provided at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and served over 400 patients in Mid Wales sought to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life for those who suffer with chronic pain conditions.
However, after its closure on March 31st, following a reduction in the number of patients being referred to the hospital and an internal review which found that the service was too fragile to continue safely as a result of operational and clinical challenges, some patients in North Powys have not received any communication from Powys Teaching Health Board or any assurances regarding their future pain management provision.
Responding, Mr George said:
"The recent closure of the chronic pain service at the RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry was already concerning for hundreds of people in North Powys who relied on this invaluable service.
"This concern has been compounded by the poor communication from Powys Teaching Health Board about the options for future pain management for Powys patients.
"I have been very disappointed to have received correspondence from a significant number of constituents who have reported to me that they have received nothing by way of communications from Powys Teaching Health Board. I have formally written to the CEO, Carol Shillabeer, to express my disappointment.
"Apart from the matter of what appears to be poor communication with concerned patients, I will continue to urge the Health Board to offer a local clinic to be provided in Montgomeryshire."