What are the main problems facing Betsi Cadwaladr health board?

The board has the worst waiting times in Wales, with over 5,400 patients waiting two years or more, and faces severe governance and leadership issues, leading to it being in special measures.

Why are external experts being sent to Betsi Cadwaladr?

External experts are being deployed to address risks to patient safety and public confidence, focusing on reducing ambulance delays and improving treatment waiting times.

Is Betsi Cadwaladr too big to function effectively?

Some critics believe the north Wales health board is too large to operate efficiently, and discussions are ongoing about its suitability in its current state.

Home / Health / Welsh Health Board in Crisis: 5,400+ Patients Wait 2 Years

Welsh Health Board in Crisis: 5,400+ Patients Wait 2 Years

27 Nov

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Summary

Over 5,400 patients experienced two-year waits for treatment in August.
The health board faces ongoing concerns regarding its leadership and governance.
External experts are being deployed to address patient safety and confidence risks.

Welsh Health Board in Crisis: 5,400+ Patients Wait 2 Years

The Betsi Cadwaladr health board in Wales is grappling with critical performance issues, including over 5,400 patients waiting two years or more for treatment by August. This situation exacerbates existing concerns about the board's operational effectiveness and governance. It has been placed under special measures by the Welsh government for a second time, highlighting serious leadership and management deficiencies that have persisted for years.

To address these deep-seated problems, which pose significant risks to patient safety and public trust, a new team of external experts will be deployed. Their focus will be on reducing ambulance handover delays and improving wait times for planned treatments, diagnostics, and cancer care. This intervention aims to bolster governance, assurance, and leadership capabilities within the troubled health board.