Plaid’s Rhun ap Iorwerth MS responds to Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board being taken out of special measures

RESPONDING to the news that Betsi Cadwaladr will be taken out of special measures with immediate effect, Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Health Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Today’s announcement comes as a surprise given that only a few weeks ago the Health Minister stated that not enough improvements had been made to exit special measures. We were told there were still big challenges to overcome, not least in mental health.

“Through continued targeted intervention, Labour Ministers remain responsible for what happens in terms of strategic direction and the delivery of services in the north, and after 5 and a half years of special measures, patients can be forgiven for being sceptical about what today’s announcement will actually mean in terms of improvements to services.

“Plaid Cymru believes that the board’s problems are chronic and structural, and that major changes are still required. That’s why we say it’s time for a fresh start, with new health and care structures serving the north instead of the current Board which is too large and remote from the communities it serves. Patents and staff deserve better, and I thank those hard working frontline staff for their work and commitment during such a difficult year.”