Health board records highest number of 'never events' in Wales in 12-month period

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board recorded the highest number of "never events" in Wales last year, according to its latest annual report. The health board logged 11 new never events during 2025/26 – an increase of six compared with the previous year.

The report states the Welsh health board with the second-highest total recorded seven. The figures are contained in the health board’s annual report, which is due to be discussed at its annual general meeting on Wednesday, July 29.

Never events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not happen if national safety guidance is followed. Examples of never events can include operating on the wrong part of the body, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient after an operation, or administering medication by the wrong route. 

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Source: North Wales Live, 28 July 2026