Commenting on the publication of a report by Health Inspectorate Wales into failings received in the care of a man at a mental health unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd who went on to behead a woman in Tenerife, Darren Millar AM, Shadow Health Minister, said:
“Whilst no-one could have predicted the circumstances which led to the death of Jennifer Mills-Westley in Tenerife I am concerned that the failings identified in this report could have contributed to the tragic situation that unfolded there.
“For too long mental health services have been a poor relation to other parts of the Welsh NHS and it is clear that some vulnerable patients have not received the care they need to keep them safe and prevent harm to others.
“There are lessons in this report for all Welsh health boards, but measures to prevent future failings in mental health care will only succeed if they are properly funded and I fear Labour’s legacy of record-breaking budget cuts risks compromising the ability of the Welsh NHS to make the changes we need to see.”