Janet Finch-Saunders: 2. Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of mental health services in North Wales? OAQ(4)0395(HSS) Mark Drakeford: I thank the Member for that question. Aspects of mental health services in north Wales, such as services for the deaf and hard of hearing, are groundbreaking. When difficulties or deficits arise, the local health board must act with determination to address them.
Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you. I am becoming increasingly concerned at the number of my constituents who are presenting who are really struggling to access mental health services. We have the Hergest unit that, for many years, has provided very valuable support. But, you are aware, Minister, of the complete disarray that that unit is in and the demoralised staff. We have the closure of the Ablett unit, the alleged victimisation of staff who have been legitimately raising safety concerns, and 35 whistleblowers. The Robin Holden report was due at the end of September, then November and then January. Minister, there is also an interim report due. This unit is vital to provide this really vital support to those needing this treatment. Will you please look into this matter with some priority, so that we can actually have those reports brought forward, and seek some reassurance for the valuable staff and consultants who work in the Hergest unit?
Mark Drakeford: I am very well aware already of the issues that the Member raises. She will be aware, no doubt, that at its meeting on 23 January the local health board published both the Royal College of Psychiatrists report into the Hergest unit and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’s report of its unannounced inspection of that unit. I firmly reject the Member’s allegation that the unit is in turmoil. It continues to enjoy a very solid reputation amongst those people who use it. The key issue, which the royal college’s report identifies is this, and I will quote to her what the report says: -
‘A key issue for this unit is that staff including consultant staff need to acknowledge that there is room for improvement at the Hergest unit. All staff, and senior staff in particular, need to commit to work collaboratively to identify areas where things could be improved and how improvements could be brought about.’