June 15, 2020 - 835 views
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has spoken of her dismay over "failings" at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North Wales health board has been in special measures since June 2015. Recent figures revealed that £83 million has been spent by the Welsh Government on intervention and improvement support for the Board over the last five years.
Speaking on Sunday’s BBC Politics Wales programme, Mrs Finch-Saunders outlined the Welsh Conservative’s plan to rectify the situation. The Party has proposed a swift but thorough review into BCUHB, with a clear and comprehensive roadmap published within a month if the party takes office in Wales.
Speaking of the situation, Janet said: “In spite of the brilliant hard work of our local front-line healthcare staff, the COVID-19 pandemic has once again highlighted management failings at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board."
"Without change, the people of North Wales continue to be short-changed in their healthcare provision.
“Unreported COVID-19 cases, 1,700 mental health patients incorrectly discharged and several incidences of elderly patients being allowed to return to care homes without the appropriate Coronavirus tests first taking place - these consecutive failings of the current administration have posed a very real risk to the health and well-being of local residents.
“It is a sorry fact that a lack of vision by this top-heavy administration continues to undermine the Board’s chances to manoeuvre out of special measures.
“The Welsh Conservatives have committed to publishing a clear and comprehensive road map to rescue Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, within a month of taking office.
"This will restore public confidence in the board, and once more shine the spotlight on our doctors and nurses.”
Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and Welsh Government have been approached for comment and we will update this story.
