Commenting following the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar MS said:
“As the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board nears another anniversary in special measures, patients and staff remain disappointed with the lack of improvements they had been promised by Labour Ministers.
“The Labour Welsh Government refused to back our motion today that called for them to take responsibility, instead they passed the buck back onto the Health Board.
“While Labour Ministers claim ‘progress’ is being made, the people of North Wales do not feel heard and continue to deserve far more timely, high-quality healthcare. Labour needs to back our plan and invest in our Welsh NHS.”
The motion which was debated on Wednesday read:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Recognises the work and dedication of hardworking staff at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
2. Notes that:
a) 27 February 2024 marks one year since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed back into special measures;
b) the health board was previously subject to special measures between 8 June 2015 and 24 November 2020, less than 6 months prior to the 2021 Senedd elections; and
c) the health board has spent longer in special measures than any other NHS organisation in the history of the National Health Service.
3. Regrets that since being placed into special measures, patients and staff are yet to see the required improvements.
4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) listen to the concerns of healthcare professionals when concerns are raised about the quality of services; and
b) ensure patients in North Wales get the timely, high-quality healthcare that they deserve
