June 15, 2026 - 194 views
Clwyd MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to provide an urgent update on the future of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, as it approaches its eleventh consecutive year in special measures.
Speaking during this week’s Business Statement in the Senedd, Mr Millar raised serious concerns about the unprecedented length of time the North Wales health board has remained under intervention, warning of the ongoing impact on both patients and NHS staff.
He called for a formal statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, asking what action the Welsh Government intends to take to “resolve the crisis” within the organisation.
He said the situation was “not good enough” and argued that urgent change was needed, stressing that patients and frontline staff had faced years of promised improvement without meaningful progress.
In response, Trefnydd Heledd Fychan said the Cabinet Minister for Health had recently reaffirmed his commitment to improvements, noting that he had met the Chair and Chief Executive of the health board at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to set out clear expectations for performance and recovery.
Following the exchange, Mr Millar reiterated his concerns, saying it was “simply not acceptable” that the health board had remained in special measures for over a decade. He said patients, families, and staff deserved clarity on the Welsh Government’s plan to deliver “fundamental improvements” and restore timely access to safe, high-quality healthcare across North Wales.
