Gwent’s departing NHS chair received acknowledgment at her concluding session of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Ann Lloyd received commendation for her guidance and assistance to the organisation managing NHS services and hospitals in Gwent – however, the disclosure regarding sterilisation errors at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital went unmentioned.
Over a two-day period in February, equipment that had not been properly sterilised was employed repeatedly in procedures at the hospital, with the mistake identified on February 27 but only brought to light following Wales Online’s reporting.
The board, tasked with supervising the provision and management of services, convened publicly for the first time since the disclosure at its regular monthly gathering on Wednesday, March 25 at St Cadoc’s Hospital in Caerleon.
At the commencement of proceedings chair Ms Lloyd and chief executive Nicola Prygodzicz both provided board members with accounts of their recent activities, yet neither addressed the deficiencies discovered at the Royal Gwent.
Ms Lloyd indicated she had engaged with MPs regarding children’s services in north Gwent and GP partnership arrangements, and also discussed modifications to collaborative working among health boards and governance structures.
Chief executive Ms Prygodzicz stated the board had been highly occupied with preparations for the forthcoming financial year and how services might be enhanced while working within financial restrictions.
Independent board member Phil Robson expressed his wish to formally note that the March gathering marked Ms Lloyd’s final session as chair, given her term of office was concluding.
Earlier this month it was confirmed the Welsh Government has appointed Andrew Morgan, currently leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, as the health board’s incoming chair. The Labour councillor will assume the position in May.
Mr Robson stated he wished to convey thanks to Ms Lloyd on behalf of employees, board members and Gwent’s residents.
He indicated it would be inappropriate not to acknowledge her extraordinary contribution in delivering outstanding leadership over the past nine years.
He indicated thanks were appropriate from board members, staff and the residents of Gwent should offer their deepest appreciation.
Ms Prygodzicz lauded the chair’s dedication to public service and noted she had provided tremendous support to all of them, served as an essential critical friend and offered a measured voice when circumstances required it.
Ms Lloyd responded that success requires a strong team, and that is precisely what they possess.
In her updates Ms Prygodzicz also mentioned she had visited community pharmacy teams and the location of the new Velindre Cancer Centre under development in Cardiff, noting that forty per cent of activity there would serve Aneurin Bevan residents, demonstrating the strength of their regional collaborative approach.
She additionally observed there had been a considerably improved response to the recent staff survey, with feedback offering insights into areas requiring enhancement and demonstrating favourable results.