Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:31 pm on 23 November 2021.
Thank you. As a Government, we very much welcome the publication of the full Holden report and we endorse the recommendations of the recent Public Services Ombudsman for Wales review into the care of a patient treated at the Hergest unit in 2013. We note that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has accepted all the recommendations and will ensure that these are implemented at pace.
The health board is in targeted intervention for its mental health services. That does retain significant Welsh Government oversight. It means there are very clear and agreed actions in place to ensure the service continues to improve.
We of course acknowledge that the delay in publishing the report will have been difficult for the individuals affected and their families, and we're very pleased the health board has decided that, in the interests of openness and transparency, future reports of this nature will be made public. As you heard the First Minister say in his answers, it was a matter for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board when the report was published.
The Minister has announced a substantial package of strategic support for Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, including £12 million a year to support implementation of its mental health strategy, and to build capacity and capability in the organisation to be able to deliver the transformation that's required.