Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government’s 100-day plan committed to commissioning a review of the NHS Wales escalation and intervention arrangements. Today, I am confirming that this review will be taken forward, drawing on information provided by Audit Wales and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
The current NHS Wales Oversight and Escalation Framework provides the arrangements through which Welsh Government gains assurance on the performance, quality, governance, leadership and financial sustainability of NHS organisations. It also sets out the action that may be taken where concerns arise that require support, intervention or escalation.
These arrangements play an important role in supporting improvement across NHS Wales.
However, the reality is that sustained improvement has not been as forthcoming as the people of Wales rightfully expect. Some organisations have been in a state of heightened escalation for many years, perpetuating and normalising unacceptable failures in standards of care.
This underlines the importance of ensuring that these arrangements remain effective, proportionate and focused on securing sustainable improvement for patients and communities. We also need to ensure that the arrangements command the full confidence of staff and the public alike.
The review will provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the current oversight, escalation and intervention arrangements. It will consider whether the framework is driving measurable organisational improvement, supporting earlier intervention where concerns emerge, and providing appropriate assurance to Ministers, the Senedd and the public. It will also examine whether arrangements are proportionate to risk, promote robust accountability and support the spread and embedding of learning and good practice across NHS Wales.
The review will draw on evidence from Welsh Government, NHS Wales organisations, Audit Wales, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, as well as experiences from organisations that have been subject to escalation and intervention arrangements.
Alongside this review, work is continuing to strengthen accountability arrangements between Welsh Government and NHS organisations. Clear accountability, robust oversight and timely intervention are essential to ensuring NHS organisations deliver safe, high-quality and sustainable services for the people of Wales.
I expect the review to report its findings and recommendations by September. The findings will inform future development of the NHS Wales Oversight and Escalation Framework and wider accountability arrangements, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and continue to support improvement across the Welsh NHS.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.
