MS calls for Betsi to be scrapped as board stays in special measures

ASENEDD member has called for Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to be scrapped following an announcement that it will remain under special measures.

The North Wales health board has been under the highest level of Welsh Government monitoring for more than five years, following a critical report into failings on the Tawel Fan mental health ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Denbighshire.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething announced last Wednesday there would be no changes to its escalation status, despite praise for the “positive way” in which it has responded to the pandemic.

Plaid Cymru has made redesigning health services in the region one of its key pledges if it gains power at next year’s Senedd elections.

Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said the lack of progress underlined the need for the health board to be disbanded.

The party’s Shadow Health Minister said: “After more than five years in special measures, Welsh Government has announced that the Betsi

Cadwaladr University Health Board is to stay in special measures.

“Thanks to all the staff doing their best in difficult circumstances.

“This confirms my belief that the health board has to go.

“A fresh start is needed, for staff and patients across North Wales.”

In last Wednesday’s written statement, Mr Gething acknowledged the board had made some progress since entering special measures in June 2015, but added officials had raised outstanding issues over mental health services.

The Health Minister said: “The group acknowledged the positive way in which Betsi Cadwaladr UHB had responded to the pandemic over recent months.

“It reviewed evidence submitted by the health board that demonstrated progress over recent years including on the areas which had originally been designated as special measures.

“However, there remained concerns on performance and strategic solutions that may require specific external support.”