With Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board recording 28 Prevention of Future Death (PFDs) reports in a 16-month period, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has asked for an opportunity to grill the Health Minister over the situation at the troubled health board.
Prevention of future death reports (PFDs) are sent when a coroner thinks action is needed to protect lives.
Darren is concerned at the high number of PFDs recorded in North Wales and in yesterday’s meeting of the Welsh Paliament he called for an urgent statement on the matter from the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
Speaking in the Senedd Chamber, he said:
“Can I call for an urgent statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health on the prevention of future death reports in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?
“As you may know, the health board recorded 28 of these reports in a 16-month period. This is more than all of the other Welsh health boards combined, and it's a statistic that is very troubling for patients and their loved ones across the whole of North Wales.
“Quite rightly, they've been calling for an independent inquiry into why the health board doesn't appear to be learning from its mistakes, and I agree with their calls. I think we need an opportunity to question the Minister about this, given that, in reports over the weekend, it's suggested that she didn't feel that an independent inquiry was appropriate.”
Responding, the Trefnydd, Jane Hutt MS, said that Betsi Cadwaladr has established an investigations and learning programme, and the Medical Director is the nominated senior responsible officer.
She also said that “the Cabinet Secretary is keeping a close watch on what is happening in terms of these issues and you will have the opportunity to question her when she comes forward for her oral questions shortly”.
Speaking afterwards, Darren said:
“It is deeply concerning that so many Prevention of Future Deaths report were recorded in North Wales and the Cabinet Secretary should be doing more than “keeping a close watch on what is happening”.
“These reports are published by Coroners for a reason and the families of those they relate to are rightly demanding a public inquiry into Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board failings. For years I, and others representing North Wales, have stood up in the Senedd Chamber time and time again highlighting the catalogue of failing at the health board, yet still mistakes are being made.
“Betsi Cadwaladr is in special measures and has been for nine years, it is under direct supervision of the Labour Government, yet the stream of scandals and failings continue on their watch. The Cabinet Secretary needs to be held accountable.”
