What assessment has the Minister made of the financial cost that may be incurred as a consequence of a health board being held in special measures for ten years?
I take any decision to escalate or de-escalate a health board extremely seriously and these decisions are based on consideration of a wide range of factors. Given the extremely challenging financial climate NHS Wales is currently operating in, these decisions include significant consideration of the financial challenges faced by health boards.
When a decision is made to escalate a health board to special measures, an assessment is made of the intervention that is required. This intervention will change over time, and may include financial support, additional advisory support, and where possible support provided through NHS bodies or the NHS Executive. These assessments will be made at various points throughout the duration of special measures.
Welsh Government officials and the Financial Planning and Delivery Directorate within the NHS Executive will work closely with any health board in special measures to minimise financial costs.
Escalation is about holding health boards to account to deliver the services the people of Wales require. It enables us to offer appropriate support so that they get the help they need to make the desired improvements. We will continue to provide additional support and guidance to health boards to improve their financial and planning positions.