Attention all! A recent investigation has revealed a Welsh health board awarded GP contracts worth £10m without carrying out proper checks! 😮
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board entrusted eHarley Street, a private management firm, with running eight GP surgeries across south Wales. But things took a turn for the worse. In 2025, accusations of staff bullying, non-payment, and poor service led the then-First Minister Eluned Morgan to condemn the situation as “absolutely unacceptable.” Politicians didn’t hold back either, labelling the company a “disgrace.”
Patients struggled to get appointments, and concerns about deteriorating services mounted. Despite receiving £1.2m in “sustainability funding,” eHarley Street faced financial troubles, which resulted in all surgeries being handed back to the health board.
Audit Wales’ investigation highlighted major oversights. The board didn’t properly assess the risks or scrutinise the firm’s financial plans, failing to even check their wider business interests. Their findings point to inadequate checks on the GP provider’s business model, which had just two doctors not directly involved in local care.
The health board has accepted recommendations from Audit Wales and promised improvements. They’re addressing the immediate needs of patients, ensuring services remain stable.
Keeping our local communities in Gwent healthy and cared for is a top priority. Let’s hope for smoother operations and better oversight in the future. What’s your take on this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🗨️