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Mark Drakeford denies misleading Senedd over Betsi Cadwaladr

MARK DRAKEFORD, the First Minister of Wales, has denied accusations that he misled the Senedd over comments he made regarding north Wales’ Betsi Cadwaladr health board. Plaid Cymru criticised the First Minister for stating that the auditor general had advised the NHS body should leave special measures in 2020, which Auditor General Adrian Crompton denies. The decision to take the health board out of special measures in 2020 was criticised as premature by opposition parties, and the health board returned to special measures last February after a series of crises and a damning report on its leadership.

During a Senedd session in February, the First Minister stated that the decision to take the board out of special measures was made because they were advised to do so by the auditor general, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and Welsh government officials. This week, Plaid Cymru accused Mr Drakeford of misleading the Senedd after receiving a letter from Mr Crompton, stating that no such advice was given by him or his staff.

Mr Drakeford responded by saying that he had not misled the Senedd, but that the process of deciding special measures was complicated for those who were not used to it. He explained that the process begins with the auditor general, the civil service, and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales coming together to discuss whether or not an organisation needs extra intervention. Then, civil servants advise ministers, and ministers make the final decision.

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales stated that it does not directly advise on any escalation status, but evidence provided to the tripartite group that it takes part in “informs any subsequent advice that Welsh government officials provide to the minister on the escalation status of an NHS body.” Mr Drakeford said he intends to write to the Llywydd, the Senedd’s presiding officer, “setting this process out for people so nobody need to be confused in the future.”

Plaid Cymru’s health spokesman, Rhun ap Iorwerth, stated that the First Minister misled the Senedd and that the decision to take the health board out of special measures was the wrong decision. He also accused the First Minister of patronising the situation.

The decision to take Betsi Cadwaladr health board out of special measures has been a topic of controversy, and the accusations of misleading the Senedd will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire. However, Mr Drakeford’s explanation of the complicated process of deciding special measures sheds light on the complexities of the issue. It remains to be seen if his clarification will satisfy his critics or if further action will be taken.

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