National Assembly for Wales

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the findings of the Holden report into failings at the Hergest unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

2. Regrets:

a) that it has taken almost eight years and a direction from the information commissioner for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to publish the report;

b) the delay between the publication of the report and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board being placed in special measures;

c) that the health board and Welsh Government have failed to address all of the issues identified in the report;

d) the lack of accountability for the poor performance of mental health services across North Wales;

e) the devastating impact of these failings on staff, patients and their loved ones.

3. Calls upon the Welsh Government to:

a) apologise to staff, patients and the families of those adversely affected by the failings at the Hergest Unit;

b) require all health boards to publish reports routinely and in a timely manner in the future; 

c) deliver radical improvements in the provision of mental health services in North Wales; 

d) undertake a fundamental review of mental health services across Wales with patients, families, professionals and other stakeholders;

e) publish meaningful information on the performance and quality of mental health services across Wales, including waiting times for mental health assessments and treatment, such as talking therapies;

f) establish a network of 24 hour mental health walk-in centres for those experiencing a mental health crisis;

g) work on a cross-party basis to deliver a new mental health Act for Wales. 

Holden Report