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flag A Welsh health board faces criticism over high costs and staffing issues, despite progress in reducing agency use and expanding services.

flag A retired surgeon, Jonathan Osborne, has criticized Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales for high management costs, reliance on expensive temporary staff, and underinvestment in community hospitals, despite the board remaining in special measures. flag He cited £72 million in agency staffing costs in 2022/23, rising management salaries, and inefficiencies from external doctors lacking system access. flag Osborne questioned the value of a £3 million consultancy report that confirmed existing staffing needs without funding to act. flag In response, CEO Carol Shillabeer acknowledged challenges and noted progress, including halved agency costs since 2023, over 17,500 additional weekend outpatient appointments, and investments in community wellbeing and reablement services to reduce emergency department pressure.

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