The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today spoken of her dismay over the management failings at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The North Wales health board has been in special measures since June 2015, longer than any other NHS body in Britain. Recent figures revealed that £83 million has been spent by the Welsh Government on intervention and improvement support for the Board over the last five years.

Speaking on Sunday’s BBC Politics Wales programme, Mrs Finch-Saunders outlined the Welsh Conservative’s plan to rectify the situation. The Party has proposed a swift but thorough review into BCUHB, with a clear and comprehensive roadmap published within a month of taking office.

Speaking of the situation, Janet said:

“In spite of the brilliant hard work of our local front-line healthcare staff, the COVID-19 pandemic has once again highlighted management failings at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Without change, the people of North Wales continue to be short-changed in their healthcare provision.

“Unreported COVID-19 cases, 1,700 mental health patients incorrectly discharged and several incidences of elderly patients being allowed to return to care homes without the appropriate Coronavirus tests first taking place - these consecutive failings of the current administration have posed a very real risk to the health and well-being of local residents.

“It is a sorry fact that a lack of vision by this top-heavy administration continues to undermine the Board’s chances to manoeuvre out of special measures.

“The Welsh Conservatives have committed to publishing a clear and comprehensive road map to rescue Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, within a month of taking office. This will restore public confidence in the board, and once more shine the spotlight on our doctors and nurses.”

ENDS