IT would be better for Monmouthshire dementia patients to continue to be looked after within the county, an MP has claimed, following proposals to close a 15-bed dementia ward in Chepstow.
Monmouth MP David Davies claims that the proposals should be delayed until the completion of Gwent’s new £350m super-hospital in 2021, which could make space at Abergavenny.
Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay has also written to the chief executive of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Judith Paget, asking her to clarify the reasoning behind a proposal to close the St Pierre Ward at Chepstow Community Hospital.
Under the current proposals, patients would be treated at Ysbyty’r Tri Chwm in Ebbw Vale, or at St Woolos Hospital in Newport, depending on where in Monmouthshire they live.
But Mr Davies has suggested putting a final decision on hold to explore whether there’s a chance of keeping older adult mental health services in the county.
“We know that once the Grange University Hospital opens in Llanfrechfa (near Cwmbran) in spring 2021, there will be a lot more space at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital,” he said.
“There might be a possible compromise for Monmouthshire’s dementia assessment beds to transfer to Nevill Hall in the long-term, allowing patients to be treated there rather than either Ebbw Vale or Newport.
“For relatives and carers living in rural Monmouthshire who are dependent on public transport, moving the beds to other parts of Gwent could mean hours of travel in each direction to visit their loved one.
“Obviously, it is much better for patients from Monmouthshire to be looked after by the Monmouthshire team and to be within Monmouthshire.”
He spoke out after meeting with Dr Pauline Ruth, a consultant for Monmouthshire older adult mental health services for nearly 25 years, who has publicly expressed concern about the “hugely detrimental effect” closing St Pierre Ward will have on patient care.
“I have been told that the question mark caused by the consultation over the future of Chepstow means that nursing staff are considering applying for jobs which become available elsewhere,” added Mr Davies.
“The patients being treated on St Pierre Ward are some of the most vulnerable and we should do everything possible to reduce the distress which they and their families suffer.”
Requesting an explanation for the proposal as soon as possible, Ramsay said he had been contacted by a number of constituents over the weekend who were “stunned” by news of the possible ward closure at a time when bed blocking was such a serious issue within the health service.
“Local residents find the possibility of the ward closure incomprehensible given the increasingly elderly population,
“They point out that the hospital’s minor injuries department has already closed as well as one of the wards.
“They are understandably concerned to learn that there is a consultation taking place regarding the possible closure of the St Pierre ward, which they consider a vital part of the hospital.
“My constituents regard Chepstow Hospital as a great asset and simply cannot understand why it is not being used to its full potential. I have asked for an explanation as a matter of urgency.”