The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (9 June) spoken of her dismay at the news that that former Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Chief Executive Gary Doherty will be paid at least £188,000, while he works on secondment in England.

This is the latest in a line of expensive funding commitments to former or departing staff members. In 2015, concerns were raised by the Senedd Public Accounts Committee over the news that the Board would fund a similar year-long secondment to England for former Chief Executive Trevor Purt.

Speaking of the situation, Janet said:

“This is yet another questionable monetary decision by those running the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Our brilliant frontline staff deserve better from their top-heavy senior leadership team.

“As patients wait weeks for necessary operations, it cannot be right that the people of North Wales now find their tax money squandered on expensive secondments to England by staff who are leaving the Board. This is a monetary migraine that has no sign of abating.

“BCUHB bosses should be looking to innovate rather than repeat the costly mistakes of the past. It is clear that the guiding hand of  Vaughan Gething MS and this Welsh Labour Government has done nothing to help the Board 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

Photo: Luis Melendez