A Welsh health board has been put into special measures for the second time in the last five years after "serious concers" were raised about its performance, leadership, and culture. The Welsh Government announced that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been put into special measures with the board stepping aside.
Last week a new report by Audit Wales said the health board, which covers north Wales and is the biggest health board in Wales, had "fractured working relationships" which were described as "deep-seated problems". It said a lack of confidence in the health board's management, which includes four different chief executives since 2019, had led some individuals to challenge team members in a way that was "perceived by some to be hostile and inappropriate." It added that this had "adversely affected working relationships and functionality within the wider board" and led to an inability to resolve issues including soaring demand.
Health and social care minister Eluned Morgan said there was a "large degree of inconsistency in safety, performance, and quality" of NHS services across the region as a result of the issues raised. Following this report, the chair, vice-chair, and independent members of the board have all agreed they will step aside. New members will be appointed to the board to lead the organisation. Ms Morgan said she had already made a number of direct appointments to the board to ensure stability. Get stories like this directly to your inbox by signing up to our Wales Matters newsletter here.
