Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Today I am announcing further measures to support Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and improve patient care and experiences as part of the ongoing level 5, special measures intervention.
Despite some signs of improvement since the health board was escalated to in special measures in February 2023, it has faced significant and persistent challenges in delivering safe, timely, and effective care, particularly in relation to planned care, cancer and urgent and emergency services.
In the special measures progress report published 24th October 2025 the key points were that progress has been made in strengthening governance and leadership, but performance issues remain and continue to pose risks to patient safety and public confidence. People are experiencing unacceptably long waiting times for planned and emergency care.
The health board has reflected on that report and has now requested additional support to accelerate improvement.
In response, I will be providing additional senior-level capacity and expertise inside the health board, with additional support from NHS Performance and Improvement. The team of experts will include the appointment of an improvement director, supported by experienced operational leads, who will work alongside the health board’s chief executive and board to drive rapid improvements in key service areas. It is not intended to replace operational leadership but to support it.
The team’s work will focus on:
- Reducing ambulance handover delays and improving flow
- Reducing waiting times for planned treatment and diagnostic tests
- Improving waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Further strengthening governance, assurance, and leadership capability.
This additional support will be in place initially for six months, at which point it will be evaluated. The team will operate under clear terms of reference and accountability arrangements.
The intervention will be delivered in partnership with NHS Performance and Improvement teams currently with the health board, ensuring transparency and alignment with Ministerial priorities. I will wish to know what more can be done to accelerate implementation of the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Group of Performance and Productivity and delivery of the mandatory enabling actions which I set out in the 2025-2028 Planning Framework.
Regular progress reports will be provided, including outcomes.
This decision reflects our commitment to the Duty of Quality under the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 and our clear aim to improve NHS services for people in North Wales.
It is a necessary step to address long-standing performance challenges and to ensure people receive the care they deserve