Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, has slammed the Welsh Government and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Vaughan Gething AM, for failing to make significant improvements in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – 30 months after it was placed under Special measures – the Welsh Government’s highest form of intervention.

Janet said:

“Under the Welsh Government’s interventions, we have seen the number of patients waiting more than a year for routine surgery increase by 2,550%.

“30 months ago, the Welsh Government took the Health Board into special measures – the highest form of government intervention. Yet still, patients and their families are waiting to see real, positive outcomes from this intervention.

“The hardworking staff of the Health Board deserve better than this consistent mismanagement by the Welsh Government. The Cabinet Secretary must publish, as a matter of urgency, a clear plan to bring the Health Board back to its normal status and improve patient outcomes.”

ENDS

The Record of Proceedings for the Welsh Conservative’s debate today can be found here: http://record.assembly.wales/

29th November 2017 – Welsh Conservatives debate

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Welcomes the crucial role Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board frontline staff play in delivering services and supporting patients across north Wales.

2. Notes the Welsh Government’s decision to place Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in special measures in June 2015.

3. Believes that the Welsh Government has failed to address increasing waiting times in north Wales and the health board’s deteriorating financial position.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) clarify what steps it is taking to ensure that the financial uncertainty at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board does not undermine the delivery of services;

b) publish a clear action plan for returning the health board to its normal status; and

c) explain the measures the health board will undertake to improve patient outcomes.

The following amendments have been tabled:

Amendment 1. Julie James (Swansea West)

Delete points 3 and 4 and replace with:

Notes the Welsh Government’s continued challenge to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to address its unacceptable waiting times and financial situation.

Notes the significant support provided by the Welsh Government to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to work to stabilise and recover its position.

Notes that following a review of progress with HIW and the WAO in early December the Welsh Government will consider further measures Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board must undertake to improve.

Amendment 2. Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Believes that resolving the issues faced by Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board will require a substantial expansion in the workforce, which will require an expansion of medical and nursing training.