Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar, has today called for an urgent statement from the Minister for Health and Social Care in respect of the report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists into mental health services at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Speaking in this afternoon’s Business Statement in the Welsh Parliament, Darren asked why it is taking so long to address the identified failings in mental health services in the region.

He said:  

“The report was very, very troubling. It found that fewer than half of the 84 key recommendations and improvements had yet to be implemented.

“And, as a result of that, patients have been coming to harm and have even lost their lives as a result of the incompetence of local NHS leaders and the Welsh Government who have failed to get to grips with the problems in that troubled health board.

“It was 2013 when we first read the scandalous report into the situation in Tawel Fan. We've read reports about the very poor services being provided by the Hergest unit, and we've had multiple reports since saying that things still need to improve.

“Why on earth is it taking such a long time for this health board, which is in special measures, to get to grips with these issues, and what on earth is the Welsh Government doing to sort these things out? People deserve to know, and that's why I think we need an urgent statement.” 

In her response, the Trefnydd, Jane Hutt MS, said:

“That report has been completed and it was presented to the health board at its meeting on 30 May. So, it's there before them in terms of the health board's review of those recommendations and their implementation.”

Speaking after the meeting, Darren said:

“The fact that recommendations have not been implemented in spite of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board being in special measures for such a long time is scandalous. Patients and their families deserve so much more!”

ENDS