Home / Health / Wales Health Board Sees 'Never Events' More Than Double
Wales Health Board Sees 'Never Events' More Than Double
29 Jul
Summary
- Number of 'never events' at Wales' largest health board more than doubled.
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board logged 11 incidents in 2025-26.
- Health board commits to zero 'never events' in the upcoming year.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), the largest health board in Wales, reported a significant rise in "never events" over the past year. The health board logged 11 serious, preventable patient safety incidents in 2025-26, more than double the number recorded in the preceding year.
The report highlights that the level of "avoidable harm" remains a serious concern for BCUHB. While investigations focus on system failures to facilitate learning, the board has expressed a clear commitment to strengthening its systems. They aim to achieve zero "never events" in the 2026-27 fiscal year and beyond.
Tehmeena Ajmal, chief operating officer at BCUHB, issued an apology to affected patients and families. She assured the public that the executive team is overseeing detailed analyses and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence. The health board was previously placed under special measures in February 2023.
