HEALTH CHIEF STEPS DOWN
THE chief executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has stepped down. Allison Williams has been on sickness absence since June 19 but the health board confirmed yesterday that she would not return to her post.
Professor Marcus Longley, chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, said Ms Williams notified the board that she will be stepping down 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.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council leader Andrew Morgan welcomed the announcement, calling it the “right decision.”
South Wales Central AM Andrew Davies said: “Given the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for any payoff to have been agreed whilst the various inquiries are ongoing.”
Ms Williams’ permanent replacement has not yet been announced, but Cllr Morgan hopes Dr Sharon Hopkins, deputy chief executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, who has been acting as chief executive in Ms Williams’ absence, will be appointed.
Ms Williams, who took charge of the health board in 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.
An independent investigation by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist 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 news of Ms Williams’ resignation, 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.”