Patient watchdog wants action at Betsi health board

A patient watchdog is calling for action at a health board at the centre of "institutional abuse" claims at a mental health ward in Denbighshire.

Geoff Ryall-Harvey, chief officer at North Wales Community Health Council (CHC), was speaking after it emerged Betsi Cadwaladr health board could be put into special measures which could mean the Welsh government, or another body, taking over some or all of the board's functions.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford has already apologised for the scandal on the Tawel Fan ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan.

Mr Ryall-Harvey said: "The avalanche of adverse reports over the past few months has been unprecedented."