WREXHAM'S MP believes questions need to be asked after Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) was placed back into special measures. 

Welsh health and social services minister Eluned Morgan revealed BCUHB is being put into special measures because of "serious concerns about performance, leadership and culture".

The chair, vice chair, and independent members of the Board have agreed they will step aside.

New independent members will be appointed to the board to lead the organisation as it continues to rebuild its services following the pandemic.

READ MORE: 

Wrexham's MP, Sarah Atherton was pleased that Welsh Government acknowledged more needed to be done, but accused them of playing 'the blame game'. 

Ms Atherton said: "Labour Welsh Government has responsibility for healthcare delivery in Wales. To blame the BCUHB Independent Board for health delivery failings, when problems have been well documented and highlighted to the WG, is frankly a dereliction of their duty, care and responsibility.

"Although I am pleased that there will now be more direct involvement from the Welsh Government on improving BCUHB’s performance, which I will be holding them to account on, I am disappointed that there is still no acknowledgment from the Welsh Government that they have any responsibility for the failing healthcare in North Wales.

"Their ‘it's not our fault’ attitude needs to change and I hope this is a step in the right direction."

Ms Atherton also felt that 'questions needed to be asked' about the current state of the health board in north Wales. 

She added: "This is now the second time that BCUHB has been put in special measures, and questions need to be asked about why the Welsh Government allowed BCUHB to get to this state.

"Healthcare is vital in order that we can all lead a fulfilling life and WG should be working in partnership to deliver this to the people of Wrexham and across North Wales, not playing the ‘blame game’.

"There needs to be some vast changes and a focus on delivering excellent healthcare and outcomes to the people of North Wales."

Eluned Morgan said: “I have informed the Board that I am putting the organisation back into Special Measures with immediate effect. This significant decision is made in line with the escalation framework. It reflects serious concerns about the performance of the organisation, about its governance, and issues with leadership and culture that are holding back progress.

“I recognise that the health board has had significant challenges for a number of years and has worked hard to overcome these challenges. But now is the time for new leadership to deliver the improvements that are needed.”

She added: “Every day thousands of people are receiving good care from the NHS in north Wales but there is a large degree of inconsistency in safety, performance and quality across the region, addressing this inconsistency will be the focus of the new board.

"Whilst special measures will apply to the organisation, I wish to reassure both patients and communities served by the Health Board, as well as the staff working for it, that day to day services and activities will continue, with an increased focus on quality and safety.”