Member of the Senedd for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, Peter Fox, has written to the Chief Executive of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board following a report by Audit Wales into contracts awarded to eHarley Street.
The highly critical report concluded the Health Board did not sufficiently scrutinise finances or business plans before awarding multiple contracts, failed to undertake financial stress testing, and did not carry out adequate background checks into the wider business interests of those involved.
In his letter, Mr Fox stated the findings were deeply concerning and raise significant questions for the health board. He added the whole debacle has caused significant disruption to thousands of patients across Gwent and placed considerable pressure on the Health Board to maintain care, at a time when the health service in Wales is beyond fragile and overstretched.
He asked the Chief Executive for answers to range of concerns, including an assurance that patient care is now stabilised, for a timeline on when the recommendations by Audit Wales will be enacted and for an explanation as to why scrutiny was not undertaken properly in the first place.
The MS also requested a definitive answer on the cost to the health board, pointing out the minimum amount would be £11.3 million.
Sir Fynwy Torfaen MS, Peter Fox has said:
“This report by Audit Wales is very concerning, and raises questions across the board.
“At a time when people are regularly waiting for too long in A&E, unable to get appointments and seeing their services cut back, to see the health board waste at least £11m due to poor scrutiny and governance is quite frankly embarrassing.
“I have written to the Chief Executive to set out my concerns and to get answers to a number of very serious questions.
“Residents and tax payers have a right to know how their money is being spent, and I will ensure they get this accountability”.
