Cash injection of almost £7m to ‘push forward improvements’ at North Wales health board

A health board that has been in special measures over three years is to receive a cash injection of almost £7 million from the Welsh Government.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the largest health organisation in Wales, providing services across North Wales – including the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

In June 2015 the health board was put into special measures by the Welsh Government following increasing pressure and scrutiny in the wake of the Tawel Fan mental health scandal and the proposed relocation of some maternity and cancer services.

Today Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, announced £6.8 million of Welsh Government funding to support improvements for patients at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Welsh Government say the funding will be used to strengthen the health board’s delivery of planned and unscheduled care across all three hospitals, and drive further improvements to mental health and learning disability services.

Speaking today Mr Gething said: “In May I set out my expectations for the Health Board over the next 18 months, and made a commitment to provide more intensive support, including additional resources to quickly and efficiently deliver the improvements needed to the Health Board.

“Today’s funding forms part of that support. It will be used to set up stronger operational governance and accountability at the Health Board and to push forward financial improvements.

“I expect to see significant improvements for patients as a result, especially in planned and unscheduled care across North Wales.”

Earlier this year it was announced that Mark Polin, chief constable of North Wales Police, was to take over as chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. He will take over the role in September 2019.

The health secretary added: “This additional support comes as a new chair prepares to take up his appointment next month. This marks a new phase in the Health Board’s improvement journey.

“The key focus remains on driving forward the work to deliver sustained change and ensuring the people of North Wales receive the health service they deserve.”