Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Noted (AI summary) Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust does not propose further action directly, but is working with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to implement additional measures in January 2024 to reduce conveyances to The Grange Hospital through direct admission to alternative sites, and the introduction of a new temporary facility. They also offer to meet to discuss the response in more detail. The Health Board acknowledges handover delays and that an ACA2 crewed ambulance could have attended. It states that reducing patient handovers is a focus and that the Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Executives are providing leadership to address the issue. NICE acknowledges the concerns but states that existing guidelines on fever, sepsis, and sore throat cover the diagnosis and early management of relevant symptoms, and they have not been asked to produce specific guidance on Group A streptococcus.

Noted (AI summary) The Health Board reviewed nurse staffing levels which they state were adequate at the time of the incident. They have also commissioned an in-depth review of nurse staffing levels for the Emergency Department (ED) at the Grange University Hospital, and a similar review of medical staffing is also being undertaken.