The impact of the coronavirus pandemic accentuated the need to provide a suitable support mechanism for care providers across the region.
Early discussions with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) resulted in the development and implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), enabling care providers to access BCUHB bank staff to cover staff shortages.
As the pandemic continued, continuous improvement to the MOU was also required. The criteria for need was refined, responsibilities of those involved were clarified and the administrative support process made more robust. All six Local Authorities (LA) opted to sign up to the agreement with BCUHB, to use the facility as and when required.
The MOU will again be revisited as part of the forward work programme. Lessons learned will be identified and the MOU will be reviewed to ensure that the criteria, responsibilities and processes remain valid, with improvement being introduced wherever possible.
