A report from Audit Wales published today is calling for urgent action to improve working relationships with the board at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
As we continue to face unprecedented challenges from demands on services and long-term concerns over the performance, quality and safety of a number of specific services it is vital that our Board works in a cohesive and unified manner to drive the improvements that are needed. The report has identified immediate actions that they think are necessary to do this.
This report is about the Board and is no reflection on the hardworking staff who provide care to our patients day in, day out. It is for the Board, with support from colleagues at Welsh Government, Audit Wales and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, to work together to map the journey ahead.
Mark Polin, Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said:
“As Chair of the Health Board I welcome the report and the observations and recommendations set out by Audit Wales.
“I can confirm the Board’s commitment to taking the recommendations forward, and we will work collaboratively with Welsh Government and Audit Wales in doing so.
“The Health Board has been aware of the majority of the issues raised in the Audit Wales report, which partly informed a decision to commission a bespoke Board development programme with the Kings Fund to address Board effectiveness and relationships in 2020.
“It is most disappointing that previous internal interventions have not resulted in necessary improvements in relation to an effective Board, which is what the patients and population of north Wales deserve in order to deliver and receive safe and effective services.
“The Board will receive the report and a proposed action plan, to be developed in consultation with Welsh Government and other key stakeholders, at the March Board meeting, but the required responses will commence immediately.
“In this regard a number of actions are already in train to address some of the serious matters identified in the report, with progress having been made in relation to key areas such as the Chief Executive Officer recruitment, which is underway with our chosen recruitment partner.”
Read the full Audit Wales Report