THE emergency department (ED) at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd has been de-escalated from its “service requiring significant improvement” status following a new inspection.

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) identified the Bodelwyddan hospital’s ED as a service requiring significant improvement in May 2022.

But after an inspection between April 29 and May 1, 2024, HIW has filed a new report recommending that the ED be de-escalated.

The report recognised the work which has been done by Glan Clwyd’s clinical leaders to improve the ED.

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Extracts from the report read: "Overall, the service has improved and the arrangements in place have addressed the most significant areas of concern identified in 2022.

"However, significant challenges remain for a service which continues to operate in highly challenging conditions.

"Whilst some of these challenges are not unique to this service, there are still actions for the health board to take to lessen the impact of these on the service and ensure a coherent and robust whole-system approach is taken to improving the flow of patients through the ED.

"HIW will continue to monitor progress on these improvements."

Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “I want to thank all staff involved in helping to improve ED services within Glan Clwyd, and particularly the staff in the department for their dedication to continuous improvement, while working under constant pressure.

“Whilst clearly, there are still issues that need to be addressed, we are all committed to provide the very best care and experience possible.

“Our EDs are always extremely busy and we are looking at ways to provide services differently to help improve the waiting times and people’s experience of healthcare services.

“This report shows that tangible and positive difference is being made, whilst indicating the further improvements we are totally committed to taking forward.”

HIW initially identified Glan Clwyd as a service requiring significant improvement after noting the following issues of concern in 2022:

  • Immediate assurance and improvement plan recommendations were not actioned to an acceptable standard and within agreed timescales
  • Similar issues were raised during previous assurance activity, and insufficient improvements were subsequently made.
  • A specific matter requiring urgent action was also indicated.