Petition Commission independent review into Hywel Dda Alcohol and Drug deaths and demand transparent data now

The Welsh Government’s own NHS Ministerial Advisory Group called for “sharper accountability” and “greater transparency of data.” We demand these principles be applied to the substance misuse crisis now.

We call on the Welsh Government to:

Commission an urgent, independent review into systemic failures across Hywel Dda UHB’s substance misuse pathways, with powers to recommend binding changes.

Mandate the publication of annual anonymised mortality reports from all Health Boards and local authorities on individuals in contact with substance misuse services.

Develop and publish a new national substance misuse strategy to meet the scale of the current public health emergency.

Data should include:
• Annual anonymised reports on significant adverse events for individuals in contact with substance misuse services, including hospitalizations for complications related to substance use, as well as incidents of self-harm or overdose where services were involved. This would provide crucial insight into the immediate impacts on individuals' health and the effectiveness of care pathways beyond just mortality.
• Transparent data on the processing and outcomes of all patient complaints related to substance misuse services, specifically detailing issues pertaining to care delivery, communication, and the accuracy or completeness of patient records. This would directly address the call for "sharper accountability" and build trust in the services.

The lack of transparency is costing lives. We will not accept delay, spin, or silence.
Truth. Accountability. Now.