In the final of several meetings to discuss serious concerns regarding healthcare provision in North Wales, the region’s Conservative MPs have met senior representatives of Audit Wales, including Auditor General Adrian Crompton.
Over the last number of weeks, the MPs have met the North Wales Community Health Council, the Senior Coroner for North Wales (East and Central), Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, the General Medical Council and Donna Ockenden.
The Welsh Government has been responsible for healthcare in Wales since devolution in 1999.
Audit Wales has a remit to assure the public that devolved public money is being managed well, and empower the Welsh public sector to improve. In recent years, it has published a string of critical but constructive reports on the NHS in North Wales.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the senior management at the Health Board was now good, and that progress had been made in some areas. However, it was accepted by all that very major issues persist and in some cases, continue to worsen. Key matters raised included the importance of the Health Board’s medium term proposals, the effectiveness of middle management, and the need for clinicians to be signed-up to improvement plans.
MPs committed to sharing with Audit Wales issues of concern being raised with them by residents over the coming months. They now intend to discuss the outcomes of their meetings, with a view to ensuring all necessary steps are taken to prioritise patient safety.
