NHS health board Cwm Taf Morgannwg 'prioritised targets over safety'

A health board criticised for severe maternity failings put too much emphasis on targets instead of patient safety, according to a new review of quality governance arrangements at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University.

It found wider failings in Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board's governance. Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and the Wales Audit Office (WAO) also found a high level of risk to patient safety was accepted as the norm in some departments. The health board said work was under way to address the issues raised.

The report was not an assessment of frontline care, but spoke to staff about procedures for reporting and learning from problems.

It found Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board had not given enough attention to the safety of its services, in contrast to a strong focus on targets and financial controls.

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 19 November 2019