6. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Escalation and further intervention to improve the quality of services in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:45 pm on 28 February 2023.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 4:45, 28 February 2023

Thank you for your statement, this afternoon, Minister, and, indeed, for inviting MSs and MPs to the Welsh Government office in Llandudno Junction yesterday to receive your briefing.

I'm going to be straight with you, Minister, really. The people of the Vale of Clwyd have had enough, and it's not funny—I can see you're smiling there—because they've had years of excuses, with failure after failure from this Labour Government in Cardiff: the closure of 13 beds in Denbigh infirmary; the Tawel Fan report; the Health and Social Care Advisory Services report; Donna Ockenden; the failure to build a north Denbighshire community hospital in Rhyl after 10 years of broken promises; and the scores and scores of ambulances outside Glan Clwyd hospital. All of which occurred under the last round of special measures, Minister, that you're responsible for. And you often come back to me and say, 'Well, I wasn't health Minister at the time and therefore it's not my responsibility, but that doesn't wash, I'm afraid, as you fall under a collective responsibility in Government and have a duty to provide quality healthcare provision across north Wales. So, how are you going to make sure that you get it right this time, Minister? And how are you going to personally make sure that the failures end now? And if you can't improve Betsi Cadwaladr and take accountability, will you reflect on your competence to do your job and consider your position, as this can't go on any more? The people of north Wales are sick to the back teeth of a failing health board and a failing Government here in Cardiff Bay. Thank you.