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

However the move has been criticised by  a local Member of the Senedd as "nothing more than a rebranding excercise".

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething has set out four key areas that require improvement within the health boards, 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 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 Targeted Intervention plan has been supported by Welsh Government funding of £297m up to the end of 2023/24, as announced last year. Welsh Government say that 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 statement from Welsh Government was quickly seized on by Clwyd-West MS Darren Millar who questioned the situation.

Mr. Millar said: “This is nothing more than a rebranding of Special Measures.

“While the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been doing a great job in terms of rolling out the coronavirus vaccine, the truth is that it still needs to make significant improvements on a number of other fronts that were identified as failing almost six years ago, including mental health services, public engagement and leadership.

“Waiting times in North Wales were already unacceptable prior to the pandemic and access to GP and dentistry services remains fragile.

“With only nine weeks remaining until the Welsh Parliament elections it is clear to everyone why the Health Minister has made this move.

“The Health Minister insists that improvements have been made, but when I speak to my constituents, many do not feel like performance has improved."

Welsh Government have been approached for comment.