Clwyd MS Darren Millar is not convinced that the Welsh Government's planned action to tackle the crisis at troubled Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will deliver the turnaround that is needed.

Responding to the Welsh Government's Statement on its planned intervention, Darren said that while additional oversight and support may be intended to improve performance, there are serious concerns that repeated reviews and external panels alone will not deliver the fundamental change that is needed. 

Speaking in the Senedd Chamber yesterday he said: 

"The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board isn't functioning as it should. It's on life support. It's vital signs aren't good.

"We know that the performance is nowhere near where it should be, and that's taking its toll on patients and on staff.

"You've announced today more of the same medicine for the patient, with yet more panels, yet more people from the outside giving support for people on the inside. And I have to say I've got a low level of confidence that it's going to deliver the turnaround that we all want to see." 

In addition, Darren called for trusted external expertise to support the turnaround process, including experienced healthcare experts such as Donna Ockenden, who has previously carried out two reviews in North Wales, and challenged the Minister to include the views of staff and patients in the process.

He also suggested that Abergele Hospital could play a part in improving emergency department performance by providing extra bed capacity and being used as a minor injuries unit.

Earlier this week, the Health Board announced that more emergency department staff will be recruited, a move Darren has long been calling for. 

Welcoming this decision, he said: 

"I have consistently called for improvement in emergency department performance and for greater investment in staffing to reduce waiting times and support overstretched healthcare workers. 

"However, announcements must now be matched by results. 

"North Wales deserves better than repeated promises and managed decline. 

"Our health care service is in crisis, and we cannot review our way out of it.

"We need decisive leadership, clear accountability, and urgent action to deliver measurable improvements."

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below: