Health Minister outlines improvement plans for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

A new improvement framework for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been published following its de-escalation from special measures in November last year.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething has set out four key areas that require improvement within the health board, they are:

• Mental Health (adult and children)
• Strategy, planning and performance
• Leadership (including governance, transformation and culture)
• Engagement (patients, public, staff and partners)

These areas aligns with the recommendations from the work undertaken by professional bodies and general feedback about the health board over the last 12 months.

Welsh Government said it will work closely with the health board throughout the process of targeted intervention ensuring that progress is being made and agreeing appropriate interventions where necessary.

A further assessment will take place in May and any changes will be added to the framework.

The plan has been supported by Welsh Government funding of £297m up to the end of 2023/24, as announced last year.

Th investment will be used to improve unscheduled care; build sustainable planned care, including orthopaedics; and deliver improvements in mental health services.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, said: “As the health board moves into targeted intervention, transformation and innovation is essential, with the organisation continuing to build on the improvements that have already been made.

“Targeted intervention is still a heightened level of escalation that requires significant action, but I am confident that the health board is committed to do all that is needed to see further development.

“I want to thank the staff at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board who have made and sustained the progress to end special measures, alongside tackling the coronavirus pandemic.”

The full targeted intervention framework can be viewed here.