14/07/2025
From Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
I recently had the opportunity to speak on the BBC’s Sunday Supplement, offering a personal reflection on where we are as a Health Board, the journey we’ve been on, and where we’re heading.
Building a health board that's strong enough, not just for today, but for the long term.
Being invited to talk about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in such a public forum is never taken lightly. It’s a moment to pause and speak openly, not just about the challenges we face, but also the progress we're making together.
One of the key messages I wanted to share is that our focus is on building a health board that’s strong enough, not just for today, but for the long term. A Board that serves the people of North Wales in a way that’s sustainable, responsive, and rooted in what matters most to them.
It's not simply about shifting where services are based.
When we talk about service change, it’s not simply about shifting where services are based. It’s about really listening. Listening to local communities about what their services mean to them; geographically, practically, and emotionally. Listening to our clinicians, who are dedicated to providing the best care and who see first-hand what needs to evolve, and that’s across both the community and in our hospitals.
There’s encouraging movement in GP recruitment, and that gives me hope. While we’re not where we want to be yet, there’s a real sense that the tide is beginning to turn. At the same time, we know that the shape of primary care is changing and with that comes uncertainty. Some people still want the traditional GP appointment, and we’re working hard to improve access, while also expanding and investing in our wider primary and community services.
Are they happy?
Of course, behind this is our workforce, the 20,000 staff who make up our organisation. The presenter Vaughan Roderick asked me, “Are they happy?” And my honest answer is: it’s mixed. Some are rightly proud of the work they do, some are concerned about how we’re seen publicly. That’s the reality of being a large, complex health board that has been under scrutiny.
But we’re making real efforts to improve our culture, our staff engagement, and most importantly, the frontline services that people rely on. There’s still work to do, but I was encouraged by the recent engagement scores in our annual staff survey. I want people to be proud to work here and I know that will come through progress and improved care.
We've taken a proactive, open approach as a relatively new leadership team.
We’ve taken a proactive, open approach as a relatively new leadership team. We know that confidence isn’t built overnight, but it is built through honesty, consistency, and delivering on our promises.
I'm not interested in ticking boxes. What I care about is genuine progress.
Finally, I was asked the inevitable question: “Would you like to come out of special measures?” Of course, I would welcome that recognition. But that’s not the single driver for us. I’m not interested in ticking boxes. What I care about, and what we all care about is genuine progress. Recognition that we’re improving, that our staff feel supported, and that the public feel and experience that change.
The decision to remove special measures lies with Welsh Government, with input from Audit Wales, Welsh Government and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and when the time is right, I trust they’ll see what we’re building here.
Until then, we’ll keep doing what matters most; listening, improving, and serving the people and communities of North Wales.
You can listen back to the full interview for the BBC Sunday Supplement. My conversation with Vaughan Roderick begins at around 06:53 and is available on BBC Sounds.