NDM8489 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

NDM8489 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

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.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all after 2(a) and replace with:

any decision to escalate or de-escalate an NHS organisation must be based on a proper consideration of an extensive range of factors and factual evidence;

Further notes that:

a) the recent Audit Wales follow-up review of Board effectiveness recognised improved board stability and concluded that the dysfunctionality within the board described in its previous report is no longer evident; and

b) performance for planned care has improved since February 2023, with a 1.5 percentage point improvement against the 26-week target, a 15.5 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting over 52 weeks for a first outpatient appointment and the lowest number of people with total waits over 104 weeks since August 2021.

Acknowledges that:

a) the Welsh Government recognises significant challenges remain; and

b) the Welsh Government continues to support the health board and hold it to account to ensure it listens to the concerns of healthcare professionals when concerns are raised about the quality of services and delivers the timely, high-quality healthcare that patients in North Wales deserve.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Add as new sub-point at the end of point 4:

publish a clear de-escalation process, explaining who will contribute to the de-escalation process and who would make the final decision, while also providing an explanation of the decision;

Amendment 3 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Add as new point at end of motion:

Welcomes the appointment of Dyfed Edwards as the new Chair of the Health Board and further calls on the Welsh Government to provide a clear timetable for the appointment of a full complement of executive directors and independent members.