The findings of a report into the scandal-hit Tawel Fan ward have been delayed once again, it has emerged.

The report was due to be published on 8 March, but at a meeting on Monday night, the health board confirmed this would not happen and could not give a revised date.

Report author Donna Ockenden is currently reviewing governance arrangements in older person’s mental health services prior to the closure of the Tawel Fan ward in December 2013. The ward was closed after serious allegations came to light – leaving eight staff to be initially suspended, with four moved to other duties.

North Wales based Clwyd West AM, Darren Millar, said:

“Families will understandably feel angry and badly let down by a change in the timeline for the publication of this report.

“The Welsh Government, the Tawel Fan Oversight Panel and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board must explain why the original publication date was set and precisely what the circumstances are which have caused that date to slip.

”It is essential that this work continues apace in order that those responsible for the harm suffered by patients on Tawel Fan are held to account for their action.

“It is scandalous that some NHS staff have been suspended on full pay now for three and a half years and that others left the health board to go to other jobs, effectively escaping natural justice.”

Shadow Health Secretary, Angela Burns, said:

“The original report was published back in 2014, so this is an extraordinary amount of time for the victims and their families to have to wait.

“The Tawel Fan scandal shocked the country and the families of those affected deserved much more rapid action to address their concerns.

“The publication of this report at the earliest possible convenience is vital so we can learn lessons going forward.”