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Health Board Funds Unclear Research for Months
25 Oct
Summary
- Health board continues paying university for research with unclear patient benefit.
- Over £4 million paid to university since 2012 without demonstrable value.
- Watchdog Llais criticizes the slow pace of addressing spending concerns.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is still disbursing funds to a university research center months after an internal report highlighted concerns about the payments. The report questioned the direct benefit to patients, stating it was unclear what services the health board was receiving for its money.
An agreement set up in 2012 between the health board and Bangor University has resulted in over £4 million being paid to the institution by September 2025. However, the health board cannot demonstrate value for money from this arrangement, leading the health and social care watchdog Llais to criticize the slow pace of action.
Despite these concerns, both the NHS and the university have found no evidence of fraud or misconduct. The Centre for Mental Health and Society in Wrexham focuses on research applicable to improving mental well-being and care. The health board stated it is addressing the governance issues and commissioning an external review.
