Hywel Dda University Health Board has welcomed additional support and targeted intervention from the Welsh Government to help it develop an approved three-year business plan (Integrated Medium Term Plan) and return the organisation to a sound financial footing.

This recognises the significant and well-known challenges the health board is already addressing, and will provide additional support to improve the position.

Chief executive Steve Moore said: “On behalf of the Board we welcome this support and are looking forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to provide a more concentrated and strengthened approach to putting our organisation on a sound financial footing, with an approved Integrated Medium Term Plan.

“We have unique challenges in Hywel Dda, providing healthcare to a large geographical area, mainly rural but with urban pockets and with significant workforce challenges. We’ve been working very hard to make improvements, not just by ensuring prudent use of our finances, but also in improving our workforce position.

“At the same time, we have been wholly committed to making improvements to the services we provide our patients where they are most needed. For example, we have reduced some of our longest waiting times for planned care. There is a great deal more to do in this area and we want to assure our public that this will continue as we put patients at the heart of all we do.”

The Health Board has also already been taking action to improve its financial position.

Mr. Moore said: “We have recognised the challenge and this is a commitment from us and the Welsh Government to work together to tackle it. Progress has already been made during the last year to better understand the scale of the issue and to stabilise our position as much as possible. We have more grip than ever before.”

He also wanted to recognise and reassure Health Board staff.

“Our staff continue to rise to the challenge, consistently providing patient centred care and working with us on improvements and innovation and we are hugely grateful to them,” he said.

“We accept that whilst we have long-standing financial challenges and whilst we cannot solve this alone, we are confident that with additional support, we have an opportunity to provide the organisation and the patients we serve with the assurance that we have a sustainable plan and financial position for the future.”