Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to Remain in Special Measures For Two Years

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is to remain in special measures for the next two years – with the Chief Executive of the Board also stepping down from his role.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Vaughan Gething has today announced that the Health Board will remain in special measures for the next two years with progress reviewed every six months.

Following today’s announcement Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have also confirmed that Professor Trevor Purt has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive.

A staement released by the Health Board reads: “He will return to work in England where he will contribute to a number of NHS projects including the wider integration both across partner organisations and within the NHS more generally. He will build on the experience he has gained over six years in the Welsh NHS system.

“The Health Board is now considering the process for the recruitment of a successor to Professor Purt.:

Back in June Wrexham.com reported that the Health Board had been placed to special measures by the Welsh Government. The decision to do so ‘reflected serious and outstanding concerns about the leadership, governance and progress in the Health Board over some time’.

In a letter to Dr Peter Higson, Chairman of BCUHB, the Deputy Minister noted that there had been some positive developments and that longer term plans were needed in order to tackle more fundamental challenges.

In a statement released today, the Deputy Minister said that feedback from the Wales Audit Office and HIW had been extremely positive on the response from staff. He noted that their ‘dedication and energy will be critical to tackling the challenges ahead’.

The health board has come under fire by many over the past few moves, with the proposed move of maternity services, closure of community hospitals and the recent Tawel Fan Mental Health Scandal increasing the pressure and scrutiny on the authority.

However the work carried out by staff and the progress made at the Health Board over the past four months has been praised by the Chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr, the Interim Chief Executive and Wrexham’s Assembly Member.

Welcoming the announcement, Peter Higson said “I am pleased that the Deputy Minister has recognised the progress we have made in a number of key areas. The Board knows that there is a great deal to do as we develop the health service which the people of north Wales need and deserve.

“I am confident that we have the energy and ambition throughout the organisation to achieve this aim. I welcome the support of Welsh Government and am confident that we will continue to make progress with pace and determination. I would like to thank colleagues throughout the health board for your tireless work and for your commitment to health care in north Wales.”

Interim Chief Executive Simon Dean said “I have been very impressed by the numerous examples of excellent and compassionate care I have seen across north Wales since I arrived in June. I have met hundreds of dedicated, caring and enthusiastic people who provide fantastic care for the people we serve.

“Progress is being made in a number of key areas identified when special measures were announced four months ago. I know that, working together, the organisation will address the current challenges with confidence and ambition.”

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths added: “I am pleased initial positive action has been undertaken in a number of key areas, and this decision will provide stability and enable the Health Board to build solid foundations.

“The timeframe and measures are in place to ensure Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board delivers lasting improvements for the people of North Wales.”

However today’s announcement has been slammed by Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, who said: “I am hugely disappointed that the situation in North Wales has deteriorated to such an extent that it needed to be placed in special measures.

“The Health Board appears to have missed its four month target. We must presume that the Deputy Minister has not seen the improvement that he expected.

“We are being told by the Chief Executive that the health board has turned a corner, but it is only patients’ experiences that can confirm if that is really the case.

“We need a health board that has the faith of the people of North Wales. That simply is not the case at the moment. Changes are desperately needed and they are needed urgently.”