Reaction to Betsi Cadwaladr announcement from Shadow Health Minister

Welsh Conservative health spokesperson, Andrew RT Davies MS:

“After five years of special measures – the longest of any health organisation in the UK – any genuine progress at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board would have to be welcomed.

“Staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond to deliver health services to the people of North Wales that they deserve, especially during Covid-19. Their dedicated and hard-work needs to be commended.

“However, concerns over governance and delivery of services for the people of North Wales are as pertinent today as when the health board entered special measures under the stewardship of this health minister in 2015.

“Let’s ask the most important question about this decision: what has happened since last month to so radically improve things at the board?

“This question must be asked, because on October 7, just six weeks ago, the Health Minister said:

‘However, there remained concerns on performance and strategic solutions that may require specific external support.  Specifically, the group wanted some further assurance from the health board in respect of progress in mental health services.’

“I’ve heard of miraculous recoveries, but not like this, not when services have been so bad for so long.

“We do hope this is not a cynical electoral ploy ahead of May’s Senedd elections, and 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.”