Betsi Cadwaladr health board faces prosecution over patient's death at mental health unit
Wales's largest health board is facing criminal charges over the death of a patient.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed it is bringing a case against Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board after an investigation into the death at the Hergest Mental Health Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, North Wales.
The health board, which was recently taken back into special measures, is accused of breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
This section of the act places a duty on employers to ensure that people who are not employed by them are not "exposed to risks to their health or safety".
The health board has apologised for "failures" in the care it provided but said it could not comment further until the hearing had concluded.
The chair, vice-chair and independent members of the health board were asked in February to step aside after a report by the auditor general for Wales found "deeply worrying dysfunctionality" in how the board was run.
Opposition parties have previously called on the Welsh government's health minister, Eluned Morgan, to resign after the board was taken back into special measures, having previously been taken out in November 2020.
Ms Morgan told Sky News in February that she would continue to "serve the people of Wales to the best of [her] ability".
Read more:
'Great deal more to do' on Betsi says Drakeford
Damning Audit Wales report finds 'deeply worrying dysfunctionality' at Betsi
Responding to the news the health board faced prosecution, Dr Nick Lyons, the board's interim deputy chief executive and executive medical director said: "This is a very tragic case and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the patient.
"On behalf of the Health Board I want to reiterate how deeply sorry I am for the failures in the care we provided.
"We are unable to comment further until the hearing has concluded."
A spokesperson for the Welsh government added: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this sad death.
"We are unable to comment further while the hearing is ongoing."
The first hearing is due to take place at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on 3 August.
