1.145 Some staff members and clinical partners expressed reservations about the suitability of concentrating inpatient orthopaedics at Prince Philip given its workforce shortages, outdated theatres, lack of dialysis, enhanced recovery, and critical care facilities, and limited ICU/HDU and anaesthetic capacity. In contrast, Withybush was described as having modern theatres, a dedicated elective ward, and underused capacity.
1.146 Similarly, in the questionnaire, a staff member urged consideration around the limitations of existing pathways and critical care provision between/at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and Prince Philip, and around the lack of an acute pain service at Bronglais.
1.147 Staff highlighted the importance of maintaining a varied case mix - including emergency and trauma work - to support consultant recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction. Concerns were thus raised about concentrating only low-complexity elective cases at Withybush, which could, it was felt, undermine workforce morale and resilience there. Questions were also raised about how surgical teams would be separated between planned and emergency services, and whether such division would be practical or desirable. Staff emphasised the importance of maintaining integrated elective and trauma activity to support skills development, service resilience, and recruitment.