1.158 While some questionnaire respondents recognised that separating day case and inpatient services could lead to fewer cancellations and felt that this option might be more viable than some others, resident workshop participants typically disliked this option, as having inpatient and day case interventional radiology at different sites would lessen the impact on addressing the Health Board’s staffing challenges.
1.159 Some staff also raised concerns about capacity shortfalls at Glangwili if more inpatient interventional radiology were to be centralised there, highlighting staffing and space limitations, bed pressures, and insufficient equipment that would be expensive to expand and upgrade. Others were more supportive however, especially given that the proposed change might mean upgraded facilities (a Gamma Camera for example). These concerns and benefits also apply to Option D.
1.160 As in the questionnaire, Option B received most support across the three resident workshops. Those who preferred Option B liked the cancer focus at Prince Philip and Withybush, and the extended seven-day planned diagnostic service (where the ‘bottleneck’ was said to be).
1.161 Consultees across several activities tended to support the principle of a regional diagnostic hub in terms of concentrating expertise and attracting staff, increasing capacity and reducing backlogs, and improving reporting and diagnosis times. However, many sought clarity on its location, remit, staffing model, and cost. Concerns were raised about duplication if diagnostics are retained at all hospitals, and about potential travel distances for patients, depending on where the hub is sited.
1.162 Option C received limited support across several activities and few specific comments. It was occasionally noted as providing a good geographical spread of services across the Health Board, but was mainly seen as a realistic option only if Options B or D are not viable.
1.163 Option D appealed to some staff members and Ceredigion workshop participants as a way to expand planned diagnostics without the cost of a full diagnostic hub, though concerns were raised about cost and staffing the proposed extended hours.