February 16, 2022 - 1509 views
Wales' Minister for Health and Social Services has written about her concerns that standards within Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board may not improve to the level expected.
In a statement released earlier today, Eluned Morgan MS made it clear that the North Wales health board could return to special measures, unless standards in a number of key areas are quickly addressed.
"Last Friday a meeting took place between Welsh Government, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and Audit Wales to discuss the escalation status of health organisations in NHS Wales.
"Particular consideration was given to the escalation level in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, following the publication of part two of an invited service review into vascular services by the Royal College of Surgeons.
"Members will already be aware that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed in Targeted Intervention in November 2020.
"Targeted intervention is a heightened level of escalation that requires significant action on the part of the organisation and is accompanied by a level of continued oversight from my officials.
"Following last week’s meeting and in light of information provided to me by the health board, I have decided to give a clear warning that if the recommendations from the Royal College Reviews are not sufficiently progressed within three months there will be consequences.
"Let me make clear my reasons for this. The health board has responded swiftly to the second part of the RCS review and has taken a number of immediate actions including establishing links with Liverpool, setting up a Quality Panel which will be independently chaired and taking steps to strengthen clinical leadership locally.
"I have received a detailed action plan for immediate implementation and will be receiving monthly reports from the Chair.
"I believe it is correct to allow the health board team some time to prove that these measures are making a difference.
"However, I have made it very plain to the health board that if I do not feel confident that their planned actions are being implemented or if I am not convinced the service is heading in the right direction within the next three months, then I will ask the tripartite to convene an additional meeting to consider advice on further escalation measures."
The Health Board was taken out of special measures shortly before the Senedd elections and in light of today's news, opponents were quick to claim it was a political decision.
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar for the Welsh Conservatives said: “The failure of the Welsh Labour Government to deliver the improvements they have promised in healthcare for people across North Wales is a scandal.
“Today’s statement by the Health Minister amounts to an admission that the decision to withdraw special measures last year was political, and not based on evidence of significant improvement."
Welsh Government is expected to be make further statements about the progress and actions taken by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in the weeks to come.
