The NHS in Wales has been devolved since 1999 and run by the Labour Party for over a quarter of a century. On nearly all measures, it now performs bottom of the pile in the UK, yet this was not always the case.
The Health Board was abruptly taken out of special measures in November 2020, six months before the devolved elections, despite reports into further failings in vascular services, emergency departments and other aspects of performance.
Sarah Atherton MP commented:
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 acknowledgement 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.
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.