PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has responded to the news that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has been put back in special measures.

Mr Sunak was being quizzed on the matter by Wrexham's Conservative MP, Sarah Atherton, during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday. 

She claimed that Welsh Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, had told her that it was not the fault of the Welsh Government that the health board had been put into special measures for the second time.

Ms Atherton asked: "Given that Labour run the NHS in North Wales, can [the PM] suggest to the people of North Wales whose fault it is [that BCUHB is back in special measures] and who should put it right?"

In his response, the Prime Minister said that "health is a devolved matter for the Labour run-government in Wales" and that the Welsh Government "should focus on the people's priorities and start cutting waiting lists".

Ms Morgan revealed on Monday that BCUHB is being put into special measures because of "serious concerns about performance, leadership and culture".

The chair, vice chair and independent members of the Board have agreed they will step aside.

New independent members will be appointed to the board to lead the organisation as it continues to rebuild its services following the pandemic.