Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board

Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 2:52 pm on 19 September 2018.

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Photo of Michelle Brown Michelle Brown UKIP 2:52, 19 September 2018

Thank you for that answer, Cabinet Secretary. I hope you're familiar with the shocking and distressing case of Reece Yates, the baby who died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and whose inquest took place yesterday. As you know, this is a hospital run by Betsi Cadwaladr board. The inquest heard that Reece would have had every chance of surviving his complications having been treated elsewhere, and that only a breakdown of communication prevented his transfer to a unit on the Wirral. For the board to admit, albeit through their solicitor, that, and I'm quoting here:

'Reece's chances of survival would have been better if he had been born at an alternative unit.' 

It's a shocking admission that failings at the hospital were a factor in this baby's death, although I do believe that the board should be given credit for being honest. So, my question to you, Cabinet Secretary, is: will you hold an inquiry into this case and, if need be, will people finally be sacked for the now fatal failings of the health board that you're in charge of?