Health Board to be named after nurse

Dec 18 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

THE North Wales Health Board could be renamed the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board if the Assembly has its way.

Wales’ health system is set to be restructured, with seven local health boards being created. Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board is set to encompass Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham.

The new name was inspired by Betsi Cadwaladr, who was born in Bala in 1789 and nursed British soldiers dying of typhoid and wound infections in the Crimean war.

A Welsh Assembly spokesman said: “There has to be a new name for the North Wales LHB as it is a new organisation.

“The name Betsi Cadwaladr is proposed because she was a pioneering nurse who contributed so much to the healthcare of soldiers during the 19th century. Her name is synonymous with the values of the NHS. She was from North Wales and it is therefore appropriate to recognise her valuable contribution to healthcare.

“The suggestion is included as part of the consultation paper Delivering the New NHS for Wales, and all responses will be taken into account as part of the process.”

The consultation period closes on February 25.

Regardless of Betsi’s valour, the decision to change at all has raised eyebrows among health workers. The new name has been dubbed “a mouthful” by staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where an exhibition is being held on the North Wales nurse, who worked alongside Florence Nightingale.

Dr Stefan Coghlan of the Welsh Consultants’ Committee said: “We are bemused by the decision and think the best name would be one that reflects the region, telling people where we are and what we do.

“I’ve spoken to nurses and doctors at Ysbyty Maelor Wrexham and don’t think a single one knew who Betsi was. It doesn’t make sense that someone completely unknown should have their name attached to a massive organisation that employs 12,000 staff.”