10.06.15
Welsh health board in special measures
The deputy chief executive of the Welsh NHS is to take charge of a health board after it was placed in special measures.
The chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Professor Trevor Purt, was suspended after it was placed in special measures by health minister Mark Drakeford AM.
The minister has now asked Simon Dean, deputy chief executive of the Welsh NHS and chief executive of the Velindre NHS Trust, to assume the responsibilities of accountable officer at the health board.
Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief executive of the region's community health council welcomed Prof Purt's suspension. He told the BBC: "He's been here for a year and I don't think the 'not-on-my-watch' argument works.
"He was brought in to resolve these problems. He hasn't made the progress that he was employed to make."
Imposition of special measures follows a report found "institutional abuse" at the Tawel Fan mental health ward in Glan Clwyd Hospital run by the health board. It said the unit, which was closed in 2013, treated some patients like animals in a zoo.
However, Drakeford said that the intervention was due to longstanding concerns at the health board about its governance, leadership and progress.
Drakeford said: “The measures I have announced today will provide immediate stability and ensure the board has clear and authoritative advice and guidance in discharging its responsibilities. This has all been done – as it should be – by following the processes we have set out in Wales through which these important matters are to be resolved.
“Special measures are only instituted in response to serious concerns – it is not a routine response; it reflects the seriousness of the situation and the conclusion of the tripartite meeting that the health board has not established confidence or assurance in its response to and handling of a range of areas.”
A number of areas have been identified in which the board must show “tangible improvement”, including:
- Governance, leadership and oversight – the health board must implement governance and assurance actions which have been highlighted in a series of reports, including by the Wales Audit Office and HIW, and in a review carried out by Ann Lloyd;
- Mental health services – the board must implement the mental health plan for North Wales, including actions arising from previous reviews, governance concerns and significantly the recent report into the events at Tawel Fan;
- Maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd – the health board must resolve the outstanding question about the future of consultant-led maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, acknowledging the ongoing quality, safety and service sustainability issues and bring forward plans for the SURNICC;
- GP and primary care services, including out-of-hours services – the health board must respond to the out-of-hours review and related concerns, which it commissioned;
- Reconnecting with the public and regaining the public’s confidence – the board must undertake and oversee a listening exercise to establish a different approach to public engagement.
Drakeford added: “Given the seriousness and exceptional nature of the special measures, these arrangements will be monitored closely and reviewed at an early stage to ensure progress is being made. A formal review of progress, involving Welsh government officials, HIW and the Wales Audit Office will take place in four months’ time.
“These are challenging times for the health service in north Wales but we must not lose sight of the fact that, every day, more than half a million people receive high-quality care. These measures will strengthen the administration of health services in north Wales for the future.”
(Picture: Wrexham Maelor Hospital, part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. By: Martin Rickett / PA Archive)
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