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During a discussion at the Senedd, Williams, representing the Fflint Wrecsam constituency, questioned whether a health board outside of Wales might be considered to take over Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). Ap Gwynfor responded firmly, ruling out any possibility of an external takeover. He emphasized that Welsh devolution means different legal frameworks apply here, with the health board accountable directly to the Senedd and the people of Wales.
Ap Gwynfor further outlined his proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by BCUHB. He noted the creation of a dedicated support, recovery, and turnaround team focused on hands-on management to move the health board out of special measures. Additionally, he announced plans to initiate a well-led review led by a panel of health experts to guide the process. Meanwhile, Reform Wales’ shadow counsel General Adrian Mason MS from Clwyd pressed the Welsh government to consider external assistance to quicken improvements, highlighting the ongoing deficiencies in care and leadership at BCUHB.
Mason stressed that the quality of care in north Wales has been unacceptable, with patients enduring long waits while front-line staff have been let down due to governance failures. He supported Williams in challenging the minister’s statement that all options remain on the table. Mason argued that devolution should not limit access to expertise from across the UK, stating, “Patients will not care where that expertise comes from – they care whether it saves lives and improves treatment.” He urged ap Gwynfor to be transparent about the expert panel’s composition and scope, and to establish clear monthly performance targets with contingency plans if these are not met. Mason underscored the importance of effective results over political or constitutional disputes.
Among the potential members of the expert panel is Donna Ockenden, a respected NHS troubleshooter and senior midwife with a strong track record. Ockenden has previously been involved in investigations related to the north Wales health board and recently completed a major inquiry into maternity services failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Though ap Gwynfor expressed enthusiasm about involving her, he cautioned that her availability remains uncertain due to other commitments. Conservative leader Darren Millar MS expressed confidence in Ockenden’s expertise based on her past reviews in north Wales, describing her as highly capable in delivering turnarounds. Ap Gwynfor affirmed his intention to recommend her to officials but did not guarantee her participation, citing her current workload
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