Since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed in special measures in June 2015 almost £83million has been spent by the Welsh Government on intervention and improvement support. Following the finding by Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, she is investigating spending by the “top heavy” health board.

Commenting on the expenditure, Janet said:

“The Welsh Government seems to be failing to handle our health board reasonably.

“Betis Cadwaladr has now been in special measures longer than any other NHS body in Britain.

“This is despite £82.297million having been invested as special measures support.

“It cannot be right that whilst £1.750million has been spent on securing sustainable musculoskeletal and orthopaedic services, constituents are still waiting around 100 weeks for treatment.

“Similarly, it cannot be right that after almost £12million having been allocated for referral to treatment and diagnostic waiting times, targets are still being missed.

“To make matters worse, a major scandal has emerged as it surfaced that the health board was paying £1,990 a day for an interim recovery director.

“Having looked into the situation further, I have found that there are in fact 66 directors, not including the Chief Executive, Chairman, Vice-Chair, and board members.

“So it seems that we have a top heavy board which is still failing to get to grips with special measures.

“Going forward, so to ensure that the money the health board  is receiving is put to best use, I will look into whether there is a need for so many managers”.

ENDS

Document:

Freedom of Information Request Response

Notes:

Welsh Government spent £83million propping up North Wales’ health board.