Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been accused of failing to improve mental health services, with claims that patients have died as a result. The Royal College of Psychiatrists found that fewer than half of the 84 recommended improvements to the health board’s mental health department had been implemented. The health board, responsible for NHS services in north Wales, apologised and pledged to improve.
The health board has faced criticism since December 2013, when the Tawel Fan dementia ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd near Rhyl was closed after an investigation found elderly patients had been treated “like animals in a zoo”. Earlier, the board had become aware of problems at Hergest mental health unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, where an investigation identified bullying and low morale which impeded efforts to address patient safety issues.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists recently investigated whether the changes recommended in the wake of these incidents had been made. Of the 84 recommendations, 37 (44%) had been fully implemented, while 41 (49%) showed some evidence of change. The remaining six (7%) had not been implemented. The college also called for urgent attention to be paid to patient safety, particularly in relation to risks of self-harm. A coroner has found that neglect by the health board contributed to a patient’s death at its mental health ward in 2020.
Geoff Ryall-Harvey of patients’ watchdog Llais called for independent oversight to confirm when changes had been made and to enable actions to be signed off. Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board CEO Carol Shillabeer stated that the board welcomed the report and “is determined to take action that improves services” in partnership with patients and their families
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