A NEW package of measures aimed at supporting Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and improving patient care and experiences as part of the ongoing special measures intervention has been announced, after the health board asked for additional assistance to accelerate improvements.
Wales' Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles MS said the action was necessary to address “significant and persistent challenges” in delivering safe, timely and effective care, despite some signs of progress since the health board was placed in special measures in February 2023.
A special measures progress report published on October 24 highlighted improvements in governance and leadership, but warned that operational performance continued to pose risks to patient safety and public confidence. People were still experiencing “unacceptably long” delays for both planned and emergency care.
The health board has since asked for additional assistance to accelerate the pace of improvement.
Mr Miles said: "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.
BCUHB re-entered special measures, for a second time, on February 27 2023 after "serious concerns" about "performance, leadership and culture".
The chair, vice chair and independent members of the board agreed to step aside and new independent members were appointed to the board.
The 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," Mr Miles added.
"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."
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