In a question to the First Minister today, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged the Welsh Government to establish an inquiry into the management of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Last week, it was revealed that doctors working at emergency departments had written to health board bosses in a desperate appeal, warning that patients are dying in ambulances and waiting rooms due to overcrowded emergency departments.
Commenting on her call, Janet said:
“I have serious and enduring concerns about the leadership of the Health Board in North Wales. In addition to the Chief Executive, Chairman, Vice Chairman and the seven independent members, there are around 66 Executive Director, pan-regional Directors, regional Heads and Leads.
“These alarming letters from those on the frontline, as well as my recent conversations with constituents and GPs, have revealed that this top-heavy management structure has failed to address patterns of behaviour that cripple efficiency.
“With reports of overcrowding and slow ambulance handovers, taken in conjunction with my bursting casework mailbag from those who are pending treatment, it is clear that we need an independent inquiry into the Health Board to determine whether taking them out of special measures before an election was the right decision.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
