Clwyd West AM Darren Millar is concerned that the budget deficit at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is to set to double.

A new report has found that the Health Board, which is already in special measures, is set to overspend by around £50m without “significant intervention”, despite having been expected to overspend by £26 million.

It follows Welsh Government promises not to bailout overspending health boards.

Responding to the findings, Darren said:

“One of the reasons that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board was put into special measures was because of poor financial management.

“In March the First Minister threatened overspending health boards with ‘Special measures’, given that BCUHB is already in special measures and is being run by the Welsh Government what action are they going to take now?

“The Cabinet Secretary for Health must accept responsibility for the Health Board not being able to make ends meet.

“I am concerned that this massive shortfall could lead to short term service cuts, holding back on recruitment, or the postponement of operations for patients across North Wales.”