Mark Drakeford, Minister for Health and Social Services
Members will be aware that further to concerns relating to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, last week I asked the Chief Executive of NHS Wales to bring forward a meeting of Welsh Government officials and regulators as part of the NHS Wales Escalation Framework that was put in place in March 2014. Members will be aware that since the introduction of this framework in March 2014, the Health Board has already been raised to Targeted Intervention, the highest of any of the NHS organisations in Wales.
As a result of that meeting between Welsh Government officials, the Wales Audit Office and Health Inspectorate Wales, I have accepted their advice that the Health Board should be placed in special measures.
This significant decision is made in line with the escalation framework. It reflects serious and outstanding concerns about the leadership, governance and progress in the Health Board over some time. A thorough and balanced assessment has taken place on areas of concern that will form the basis of actions to be taken as a result of special measures.
My decision has been communicated to the Chair of the Health Board in line with the process outlined in the escalation framework.
In relation to the escalation, further actions and interventions will now be considered. I will provide some further details in an oral statement tomorrow, Tuesday 9th June.
Whilst special measures will apply to the organisation, I wish to reassure both patients and communities served by the Health Board and staff working for it that day to day services and activities will continue as normal.