Former boss of scandal-hit health board handed £131,000 payout
THE former boss of a scandal-hit health board has been given a £131,000 payout following her resignation.
Allison Williams, who had been on an extended period of sickness absence, stepped down from her role as chief executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board on August 20, 2019. She faced calls to resign after “systematic failures” were uncovered in maternity units at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, and Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.
In the health board’s latest accountability report, it was revealed that Ms Williams, who had been in charge of the health board since 2011, had been given a bumper exit package.
It states: “In line with the agreement for her departure, her final salary received included a payment of £8,190 for accrued but untaken annual leave, an ex-gratia payment for the termination of employment of £75,119, a payment of £45,071 in respect of the contractual entitlement to payment in lieu of notice and a contribution towards her legal fees of £3,600.
“The terms of the exit package were agreed by the Remuneration and Terms of Service Committee, and where necessary approved by the Welsh Government.”
An investigation by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives unearthed a series of wide-ranging concerns about the two maternity units.
It was prompted by a consultant midwife who was concerned by an apparent under-reporting of serious incidents, including baby deaths.
The investigation found maternity services to be “dysfunctional”, with many women reporting “distressing experiences and poor care”.
In the wake of the findings, maternity services were placed in special measures by the Welsh
Government and an oversight panel – chaired by former chief constable Mick Giannasi – was set up to monitor their progress.
The payout to Ms Williams has been questioned.
Plaid Cymru health spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board needs to explain why they think it appropriate to provide such a financial reward to their former CEO.”
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was unable to comment further on the information contained within the remuneration report.