Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is calling for action from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Welsh Government after a Freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that a high number of North Wales patients are currently placed in a mental health placement outside of Wales.
In the response to the FOI request, submitted by the Welsh Conservatives, the Health Board confirmed that 41 adults and 3 children with mental health problems from North Wales were in placements outside of Wales in May. There were 126 adults and no children in Welsh placements.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board marked its 5th anniversary in special measures yesterday (8th June 2020). The arrangement was imposed by the Welsh Government following findings of “institutional abuse” on the Tawel Fan Ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital.
Darren said:
“These figures are alarming and confirm my fears that, in spite of five years of special measures, there is insufficient capacity in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area to deal with the needs of mental health patients.
“It is wrong that one in four of these vulnerable people, including children, are in placements outside of Wales and are not being treated closer to their homes and loved ones.
“The Health Board and the Welsh Government must urgently explain what action they are taking to increase capacity so that more vulnerable people from North Wales can be cared for in facilities in the region.”
Last month it was revealed that 1,695 mental health patients were “incorrectly” discharged from hospitals in North Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Darren added:
“These figures, along with news that the Board had incorrectly discharged 1,700 mental health patients, clearly demonstrate that the Welsh Government’s special measures are not working.
“Whilst I appreciate that currently we are living through a pandemic and demand on the NHS is high, there can be no excuses for not ensuring that those with mental health issues have access to the care and treatment they need.”