The health board’s performance is now improving in a number of areas. The number of people currently waiting over 36 weeks is 23 per cent lower than last year and we expect to see further improvements in future months. Progress has also been made on diagnostic, therapy and cancer waits.

I have made it clear to the health board that I expect to see improvements in all waiting times, including for knee and hip replacements. My officials continue to work alongside the health board as they develop their orthopaedic plan.

We take women’s health, including menopausal concerns, very seriously and expect all health boards to provide a full range of services to women experiencing the menopause in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.

Officials have received the health board’s integrated winter delivery plan and provided feedback to inform further enhancement of its plan. Officials will continue to work alongside the health board to help it understand the demand and capacity required to meet the needs of its population and identify opportunities for national and local support, as required.

The Welsh Government expects all health boards to provide safe, timely, high-quality termination of pregnancy services for women living in their areas.

The 'Putting Things Right' complaints procedure was independently reviewed by Keith Evans in 2014. He concluded the process had a good overall approach but made recommendations for further improvements. The vast majority of these have been implemented and benefits felt by patients. There are no plans for a further review. 

Construction on the Grange hospital site commenced on 30 October 2017 and it is due to open in the spring of 2021.