Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board placed in special measures

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is being placed in special measures, Health Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

Following concerns about the leadership, governance and progress in the Health Board, the Minister asked the Chief Executive of NHS Wales, Dr Andrew Goodall to bring forward a meeting between the Welsh Government, the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales – as part of the NHS Wales escalation framework – to review and consider the health board’s current status.

Since the introduction of the framework in March 2014, the Health Board has already been raised to Targeted Intervention, the highest of any of the NHS organisations in Wales.

The tripartite meeting, held earlier today, concluded that the Health Board should be placed in special measures, the highest level of escalation under the framework. The Minister has accepted their advice. The Chair of the Health Board has been informed of the Minister’s decision.

Mark Drakeford said:

“As a result of the meeting that took place earlier today between the Welsh Government and regulators, I can confirm that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is being placed in special measures.

“This significant decision is made in line with the escalation framework. It reflects serious and outstanding concerns about the leadership, governance and progress in the Health Board over some time. A thorough and balanced assessment has taken place on areas of concern that will form the basis of actions to be taken as a result of special measures.

“Whilst the special measures apply to the Health Board, I want to reassure patients and communities served by the Health Board and staff working for it that day-to-day services and activities will continue as normal.”

Further actions and interventions as part of the special measures will now be considered by the Welsh Government, with advice and support from regulators. The Health Minister will make an  oral statement to the Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday 9th June 2015).