Diolch, Llywydd. In my statement on the 1 February this year, I confirmed that following the review by the Welsh Government, the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, under the escalation and intervention arrangements, that Betsi Cadwaladr university health board would remain in special measures.This week marks three years in special measures for Betsi Cadwaladr university health board. I want to update Members today on the progress made in some key areas during this period, the significant challenges that remain and the plans to work with the health board during the next phase of improvement.

Under the special measures arrangements, we have provided support to stabilise and recover the position in key areas of concern. This has included areas outlined for immediate action in 2015—on governance, leadership and oversight, mental health services, maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, and reconnecting with the public and primary care, including out-of-hours services. More recently, steps have been required in finance and some performance areas.

This support has involved a higher level of scrutiny and oversight, appointing key advisers to work alongside the board on leadership and governance, mental health services, primary care and the NHS Wales delivery unit providing targeted support. During the first two years, an additional £10 million of funding was provided to support action in key areas, including mental health and maternity services. In the past 12 months, investment to reduce waiting times has included a £1.5 million commitment towards the unscheduled care programme, and over £10 million of additional support in planned care that has helped to result in a 45 per cent reduction in people waiting over 36 weeks, compared to the end of December 2017.  

Update reports from the health board and the Wales Audit Office and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales reviews did, during the first two years, evidence progress against the milestones and some evidence of recovery. The recent report from the Health and Social Care Advisory Service into the care and treatment provided on the Tawel Fan ward also reported on some recent progress, including key areas of work detailed in the dementia strategy and patient and carer support.

One of the substantive reasons that Betsi Cadwaladr was placed in special measures in 2015 related to major concerns in maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Due to the hard work of the staff and the support provided, this is a service area we have seen significant improvements in over the past three years. Following advice from the review, under the escalation and intervention arrangements, I announced earlier this year that it was de-escalated as a special measures issue.

Progress has also been made in other areas, including the management of complaints and concerns, with improved clinical oversight under the leadership of the executive director of nursing; in developing and delivering the mental health strategy in partnership with users and partners; improved performance in delivering Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 targets; restructuring the mental health team; and board governance processes.