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Special Measures Update 2026

5 March 2026

Today, Welsh Government has published its report on the progress that has been made since the Health Board was placed in to the highest level of escalation – Special Measures.

The report reflects the progress made over the past three years to address a wide range of significant organisational and service delivery challenges. It is also clear that urgent improvements need to be made to ensure our communities get timely access to safe and sustainable services.

We know many people still wait too long to receive their treatment, whether that is a planned procedure or in an emergency. This is not acceptable and something we are committed to changing and has been a priority focus during the last 12 months.

There are also a number of areas where we need to improve quality and consistency of service delivery, such as vascular, urology, orthodontics, ophthalmology and dermatology and we have plans in place to do this.

While the report rightly highlights these areas of concern, it also recognises the scale of the work undertaken by the organisation. Since being place in Special Measures, the Board has consolidated governance and leadership reforms, strengthened financial controls and improved its quality and safety systems.

Some key examples of improvements made include:

  • A 66% reduction in the number of people waiting more than two years for treatment. Of particular note, is the 84% reduction in two-year waits in orthopaedic treatment; a 57% reduction in general surgery and 65% reduction for ENT.
  • The number of child and adolescent mental health assessments completed within 28 days of referral has improved from 57.8% in February 2023 to 90% in December 2025. Compliance against the 80% standard has been maintained for the last 18 months.
  • The Health Board has delivered the highest number of pharmacist independent prescribing consultations in Wales. This expands same‑day access for minor conditions and medicines optimisation, reducing pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
  • The opening of the North Wales Medical School and a new pharmacy programme at Bangor University will help to develop to workforce in North Wales. This year also saw the first cohort of nursing students to complete their degrees on the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) commissioning contract, which has been delivered in partnership with Wrexham University.
  • More than £6.5m in new NHS dental contracts have been secured, increasing access to routine and urgent dental care.

Looking forward, there are plans in place to further strengthen NHS services across North Wales. These include the opening of a new surgical hub at Llandudno Hospital, confirmed investment to transform the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl and the introduction of new digital systems to manage patient records and prescribing, among others.

All of this is underpinned by the ongoing work to introduce a strengthened operating model for the organisation that is focused on the way care, services, teams and systems could look to meet the needs of patients and staff now and into the future.

Dyfed Edwards, Chair, said: “Today’s report clearly highlights the journey of improvement the Health Board has been on over the past three years.

“It is right to emphasise the need to urgently tackle the significant challenges we still face in terms of providing timely access to safe and sustainable services for our communities. However, I am pleased to see it also highlights the good work that has been carried to date, with examples where we have taken significant steps forward.

“We fully recognise the scale of the challenges that lie ahead, but we should also take confidence from the improvements we have already achieved. All of this reflects the dedication of our staff and the willingness of teams across the Health Board to strive to improve the way we work for the benefit of patients. Our task now is to build on this momentum and continue strengthening services for the people of North Wales.”

Health Board special measures (level 5): year 3 progress report | GOV.WALES