5. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:42 pm on 7 June 2022.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 3:42, 7 June 2022

Diolch, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you, Minister, for bringing forward today's statement. Before I get into the thrust of my comments, I would like some clarity from the Minister around the statement that bringing in Improvement Cymru was only possible because it's only been around since 2019. I understood that the 1000 Lives campaign, which was the predecessor name, has been around for quite a long time, so perhaps you could respond to that in just a moment.

As you state in your statement, Minister, the situation in Betsi Cadwaladr is unacceptable and needs serious work and effort. That's kind of written down like it's new news, but we've been saying this for years, as Members have already stated. Your rightfully point out that many of the issues have been raised in this Chamber by Members of all parties, and this is because we are representing residents, sometimes our own family, our own friends, our loved ones, who continue to be let down by this lack of access to quality health services in north Wales, which ultimately is your responsibility and the responsibility of Welsh Government. My concern is that many of my residents will think that this is only talk coming from Welsh Government to see improvements. So, I want to know, Minister, how will you personally be assured that these improvements will take place and that the people of north Wales will see the radical improvements that we need to see?