WIREDGOV

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will remain in special measures for two years, Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething recently confirmed.

The Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales recently carried out a review of progress made over the four months since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed in special measures on June 8.

The progress made was discussed at a tripartite meeting of senior Welsh Government officials, the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, held recently.

The Deputy Minister accepted the advice of the tripartite meeting that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board should remain in special measures. Progress and milestones will be reviewed every six months but the health board will be in special measures for two years.

Mr Gething said:

“The tripartite meeting agreed that work taken forward by the health board as part of the 100-day plans had focused attention and resulted in positive action in some key areas. However, longer-term plans are needed to build on this initial phase of stabilisation in order to tackle more fundamental challenges, particularly to improve mental health services in North Wales.

“I have therefore accepted the advice of the tripartite meeting that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board should remain in special measures for two years.

“Whilst I recognise this is a difficult time for the organisation, I want to put on record the feedback has been extremely positive on the response from staff and their dedication and energy will be critical to tackling the challenges ahead in delivering day to day and improving the services for the population of north Wales.”

“I will make a further statement about the next stage of special measures arrangements after recess.”

A copy of the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales special measures review letter to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and its response is available at: http://www.hiw.org.uk/news/39060 and http://www.audit.wales/publication/betsi-cadwaladr-university-health-board-letter-interim-chief-executive