4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Strategic Assistance for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:30 pm on 3 November 2020.

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Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP 4:30, 3 November 2020

I'd like to start this contribution by sending my condolences to the staff at Wrexham Maelor, who recently lost their colleague Wilbert Llobrera in a hit-and-run outside the hospital. My thoughts are with his wife and daughter.

I've mentioned before how special measures have clearly become business as usual for the north Wales health board. You denied them then, you will probably deny them again today. Out of interest, I have had a look at the published announcements relating to Betsi over the years of this Senedd term. In 2016, positive progress; 2018, escalation, review and additional support; also in 2018, £6.8 million to improve performance. And so it goes on.

I'd like to say I welcome this statement today and the use of the word 'strategic'—that's a new one, after all. However, I have little confidence that anything will really change. Just two questions to you for today, Minister—[Interruption.] Sorry about that. Two questions for you today, Minister: when will you try something fundamentally different to get this board on its feet and when will the people of north Wales get the service they deserve and pay for? Thank you.