Commenting on today’s announcement by the Welsh Government that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is to be taken out of special measures, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS - said:  

“Only 15 working days ago, the Welsh Health Minister stated that a number of actions were required on the need to further improve leadership and governance across the Health Board. He also said that the development of a robust three-year financial plan was needed to meet financial duties. 

“In spite of the brilliant hard work of our local front-line healthcare staff, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to highlight the management failings at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and so the Welsh Government must confirm if the Health Board has addressed these areas of concern. 

“Realistically, what has happened since last month to so radically improve things at the Board? The Welsh Government must confirm that today’s announcement isn't politically motivated, as a means to paper over cracks that have been around for almost six years, and is truly in the general interests of the patients of North Wales. 

“I sincerely hope, for my constituents that are waiting many months to be seen for vital care, that this moment marks a genuine first step to turning the organisation into an effective provider of first class health care, where patient safety and delivery of quality services in North Wales comes first.” 

ENDS 

Photo: Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash