The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the Welsh Labour Government’s NHS intervention escalation framework following a new report from the Chief Executive of the the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The report, published today, confirmed that NHS contracts were awarded without proper authorisation or legal agreement to incur costs, and in spite of failing to follow the Health Board's own procurement processes. The Health Board was in ‘targeted intervention’ by the Welsh Government at the time. 

No members of staff were dismissed as a result of the findings. 

Commenting, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said:

"This report provides yet further evidence that the Welsh Labour Government's intervention and escalation arrangements simply do not work and that Labour Ministers are not capable of delivering improvements. 

"When NHS organisations enter special measures or enhanced monitoring arrangements, people expect, rightly, that Ministers will have a grip to the extent that these things could not happen. Clearly, that's not been the case. 

“While I note the reassurances that the Chief Executive have sought to provide, people in North Wales have heard these things before but still seen scandal after scandal unfold, with those responsible allowed to leave the organisation without being sacked. 

“The Welsh Labour Government’s NHS escalation framework is not fit for purpose. When NHS organisations fail in Wales, we need an independent organisation that is free from political interference by Ministers, to hold health bosses to account, and deliver real improvements for patients."