Cwm Taf health board chief quits
Authority centre of maternity care scandal:
THE chief executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has stepped down from her position.
Allison Williams has been on sickness absence since June 19 but the health board confirmed on Thursday, August 22 that she would not return to her post.
Professor Marcus Longley, chairman of Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, said Ms Williams notified the board that she will be stepping down from her position on August 20.
He said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Allison for her dedication to the organisation over the past 10 years and wish her well for the future.”
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, has welcomed the announcement, calling it the “right decision”.
Andrew RT Davies, South Wales Central AM, said: “Given the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for any pay-off to have been agreed while the various inquiries ongoing.”
Ms Williams’ permanent replacement has not yet been announced, but Cllr Morgan hopes Dr Sharon Hopkins, the deputy chief executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, who has been acting as chief executive since Ms Williams’ leave of absence, will be appointed.
Ms Williams, who has been in charge of the health board since 2011, has been heavily criticised for her part in the failings at maternity wards of the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant and Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.
A scathing independent investigation by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found dozens of serious incidents – including stillbirths and neonatal deaths – went unreported.
The health board’s maternity services are now in special measures and the board is receiving targeted support from the Welsh Government.
Cllr Morgan has been calling for Ms Williams to consider her position since the scandal broke out earlier this year.
On June 17, it was announced that councillors were expected to back the notice of motion with a vote of no confidence in Ms Williams, which was set to go before full council on June 19.
Responding to the announcement that Ms Williams will not return to her post, Cllr Morgan said: “I know the right decision has finally been made by the chief exec Allison Williams to leave the organisation.
“I understand that this has been a challenging and difficult time for Mrs Williams. However, having spoken with patients and grieving families involved and in light of the serious and unacceptable failings which has led the health board to be put into a status of intervention and the maternity services in Cwm Taf put into special measures, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest that the CEO is replaced.”
Cllr Morgan also said he hopes the health board will go forward with appointing Dr Sharon Hopkins, the current acting chief executive, as Ms Williams’ replacement.
“The new chief executive must now work openly and transparently to ensure that the views of patients are taken on board and staff working on the front line, who continue to be under pressure, are able to provide the best-quality care for patients and families at all times.
“The tragic consequences of the systematic failings of this health board can never be allowed to happen again and it is critical that the new chief executive works with all partners to ensure that patient care is at the forefront of these changes,” he added.
Announcing Ms Williams’ departure, Prof Longley said: “Having graduated as a nurse in 1989, Allison has had a very successful 30-year career in the NHS as a clinician, teacher and manager.
“When health boards were created in 2009, she joined Cwm Taf Health Board, first as director of primary, community and mental health, taking up her post as chief executive in March 2011.
“She has played a key role in securing university status for the organisation; establishing the academic centre at Keir Hardie University Health Park to support the local training of medical students; and delivering the recent boundary change to establish Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB.
“She has a demonstrable track record of strong engagement of clincians, staff, trade unions and partners and delivery of significant change that has led to the transformation of services and the NHS estate in the area.”
Andrew RT Davies AM said Ms Williams’ departure has come as no surprise.
He said: “While you cannot question the years of dedicated service Ms Williams has given to the NHS, questions regarding her significant leadership role at the health board remain.
“Mothers and families received dreadful treatment over a prolonged period and they deserve answers, so too the staff who were denied adequate support and leadership during that time.”