What steps is the Welsh Government taking to encourage Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to make further use of medical facilities outside of its three general hospitals and to prevent further centralisation of services?
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is responsible for the planning and delivery of healthcare services for its local population. The Welsh Government sets the strategic direction and continues to promote the delivery of healthcare services in the community.The health board has committed to retaining three District General Hospitals (DGHs) to provide specialist acute healthcare services to its population. This will be supported by services and delivered locally where appropriate and safe to do so.
A Healthier Wales: our Plan for Health & Social Care was issued in 2018 by Welsh Government, the Programme for Government develops upon the commitment to invest in a new generation of integrated health and social care centres across Wales. This work is progressing across Welsh Government, NHS Wales and partners through Regional Partnership Boards.
All health boards, including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are fully aware of the Welsh Government’s strategic aim to ensure more services are provided in local communities where that is possible. This includes making the best use of the available technology as required. As part of its own strategy Living Healthy-Staying Well Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board committed to this in looking at expanding the range of services in the community.