Are #BCUHB Abandoning Mental Health Patients ?
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have been lambasted for their failure to report daily death rates due to #Corona in North Wales leading to a large spike in figures for Wales. A 'glitch' using the Goverment system was given as the reason for the failure but the full report is yet to be released by either BCUHB or the Welsh Government. A BBC article dated May 1st, informs that all is not well within Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, either. Especially it's Vascular Services - 'Vascular staff are in fear for their career if they complain - Patients are "fearful" of using the service.... In its final and as yet unpublished report - based on 14 public consultations and one consultation with staff - the CHC says there remain grave concerns surrounding the provision. It says some staff felt "unable to use whistleblowing procedures" and notes those raising concerns were said to be "often subsequently subjected to disciplinary action". The report says staff "have a perception that it is dangerous to their careers to raise concerns about patient safety with senior managers" More - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52499099# The Health Board is also between £45 and £60 Million pounds over budget. It is hard to get an accurate figure in this regard, too. The Board have been paying an 'adviser' £1,990 a DAY to work from his home in Marbella but that contract has now ended due to the Corona virus. More on 'Marbella Man' here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52510497 On the 20th May, the BBC reported that Mental Health patients are being discharged and ordered to seek re-referral through their GP's. The North Wales Community Health Council's chief officer, Geoff Ryall-Harvey, is quoted saying there was "no reason why patients with pre-existing mental health issues should be discharged". "At this time patients need professional support more than ever," he said. "We are informed by local GPs that the number of patients presenting to them with mental health problems is increasing and, post Covid-19, could be problematic." Now the Plaid Cymru MS for Ynys Mon, Rhun ap Iorwerth, states - "Government needs to be looking at ways to step up support for those with mental health problems. Instead, here we have doctors being told to discharge them." But the Welsh Government say the advice was "not in line with our guidance." - newspeak for nothing to do with us ? More on the BBC article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52729237 Now it is usual when organisations fail that the CEO falls on his/her sword and resigns. But any chief is only as good as those who are appointed to support him/her. A quick glance at the members of the Health Board show the problem may be more systemic - https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/health-board-meetings-and-members/health-board-members/ The BCUHB website lists Simon Dean as the Interim Chief Executive. Mr Dean left this position in 2016. Copy and paste the links into your browser.
