Wales’ Health Secretary Jeremy Miles has confirmed that Hywel Dda University Health Board will be de-escalated from level four to level three for its improved leadership, planned care performance and improvements in its children and adolescent mental health services - however, the health board will remain at escalation level four for the emergency care performance and finance and planning.

Improvements in waiting times and the leadership of Hywel Dda University Health Board have been recognised by the Welsh Government.

This means the health board will continue to receive support from the Welsh Government and NHS Executive to improve services but will be subject to less intensive oversight and monitoring.

However, the health board will remain at escalation level four for the emergency care performance and finance and planning.

Where there are concerns about the performance of any NHS Wales organisation, the Welsh Government can intervene to provide support to improve services and patient care.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: “New leadership at Hywel Dda University Health Board has brought stability and direction to the board, and following these improvements, I am pleased to de-escalate the board to level three for leadership and governance.

“I want to thank all the staff working hard to improve their services and outcomes for the thousands of people they care for.

“While progress is encouraging, we will continue to monitor the performance and outcomes of the emergency departments and work closely with all the health boards to improve performance.”