AN MS WANTS to see the whole executive team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) replaced.

Janet Finch-Saunders's call follows the health board's failure to recruit a chief executive.

Carol Shillabeer is set to continue in her role as interim chief executive.

Ms Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, said: "Leadership was a major factor when placing the health board in special measures this year. Leadership was also a major factor when place the health board in special measures in 2016.

“The best way to attract a new chief executive is to clear out the current executive team so that an incoming leader can appoint a team with the integrity and culture that people should rightly expect of senior managers working in our NHS."

According to BCUHB's website, the current executive team is made up of eight individuals. There is also a ninth role - executive direct of workforce and organisational development - which is currently vacant.

The role of chief executive has a salary of £225,000 attached. 

The health board say a "further intensive search" will recommence in the near future. 

Dyfed Edwards, chair of BCUHB, said: “Our campaign to recruit a new chief executive did not result in us making an appointment and a further intensive search will recommence in the coming months. This is a critically important job and it is vital that we appoint the right person to build the positive culture that will help to guide the organisation into a brighter future.

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“In the intervening period, I’m pleased that Carol Shillabeer will continue in the role of Interim Chief Executive. Carol has extensive experience in Chief Executive and clinical leadership roles in NHS Wales and she is working hard with colleagues across the health board to ensure that we achieve a period of stability, while making progress in addressing some of our key challenges.”

BCUHB, which is Wales' largest health board with 19,000 staff, has had four chief executives in the past four years. It serves a population of 700,000.

The last leader was Jo Whitehead. Mrs Whitehead brought forward her retirement plans due to family circumstances and left her post on December, 23 2022.

Wales' health and social services minister Eluned Morgan announced that BCUHB was to re-enter special measures in February due to "serious concerns about performance, leadership and culture".

The chair, vice chair and independent members of the board agreed to step aside.