Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed in special measures – the highest level of escalation – in 2023, we have provided Members with regular updates. This includes quarterly and annual reports, setting out the progress made under the current special measures arrangements.
I have today published the eighth progress report which sets out where improvements have been made and the challenges which remain.
The health board has made many changes over the last two-and-a-half years and there has been evidence of sustained progress in some parts of the organisation. It continues to build on the changes and improvements it has made in respect of financial management, planning, corporate governance, quality improvements and renewed patient and stakeholder engagement.
However, significant challenges remain in terms of planned care and emergency care performance. The health board must focus on making urgent and sustainable improvements to waiting times for planned care and to urgent and emergency care. This must be a priority as it has by far the largest proportion of – and the longest waits – in Wales.
We will continue to provide support and constructive challenge to the health board to ensure it makes the necessary improvements to delivery safe and sustainable services – and timely access to care – for people living in North Wales.