REPRESENTATIVES from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) have spoken of their plans to transform the current appointment booking system.

The under-fire health board were criticised for a number of failings at a recent scrutiny meeting with Flintshire Councillors at County Hall, with the time it takes to secure an appointment among the issues mentioned.

In response, though, Jill Harris, Director of Nursing and Widwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Our ambition within Betsi Cadwaladr is to have a digitally enabled strategy.

“This system will hopefully allow people to book their appointments with healthcare professionals more efficiently.

“We are already having conversations with Welsh Government and other partners to try and push this through because we know we’re not very good in that area at the moment.”

However, no time frame was given by the BCUHB representative on when this new digital appointment booking system could be introduced.

Betsi Cadwaladr are under increasing pressure after Councillor Carol Ellis put forward a notice of motion calling upon Welsh Government to step in amid growing criticism of the region’s health board – particularly in regard to capacities and A&E performances.

Seven representatives from BCUHB did attend a scrutiny meeting at County Hall on Monday, though, where they answered a host of questions from respective councillors before ultimately agreeing that fundamental change is needed.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of nurse practitioners, who, Ms Harris adds “have a valuable role in our healthcare service, our hospitals, and our community.

“We are currently in the process of actively recruiting and training them to get them up to the standard we need.”