Health Minister praise for Betsi Staff, yet stresses ‘much work’ to be done

Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, has expressed appreciation to the 19,000 dedicated NHS staff across North Wales.

However, she said there is still “much work” to be done to bring the health board out of special measures.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) – providing healthcare services to 700,000 people in North Wales – was put back into special measures by the Welsh government in February, due to “serious concerns” over its performance, leadership, and culture.

The decision to revert BCUHB to special measures followed a damning report from the Auditor General for Wales, highlighting “deep-rooted issues” with working relationships at the most senior levels within the health board.

Betsi Cadwaladr has faced criticism for its health services, particularly in vascular and emergency medicine.

The Auditor General’s report led to increasing pressure on ministers to dismiss executives, due to criticism of the organisation’s management.

The Minister spent three days at the health board this week, visiting diverse clinical settings and meeting staff and patients across the region.

She praised the diligent efforts of NHS staff, while drawing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the health board.

During her tour, she visited new dementia centres funded by the Welsh Government, including Canolfan Glanhwfa in Llangefni. This bespoke unit provides a comforting and familiar setting for patients to relax with their families.

She experienced first-hand the work that health board staff carry out for the people of North Wales at Ysbyty Alltwen in Porthmadog, Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead, and Ysbyty Maelor in Wrexham.

Ms Morgan also visited the Accident and Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, in Bodelwyddan, to thank the staff for their efforts and observe how they are adapting to enhance services for the communities they serve.

Addressing the situation at BCUHB, she commented, “While there is still much work to be done across the health board, it is crucial to remember that our NHS provides a quality and safe service to tens of thousands of people across North Wales every day.”

“I was pleased to have the chance this week to see some of this work and thank some of the health board’s 19,000 dedicated staff.”