HYWEL Dda Health Board has been placed on the critical list after being told they are failing to address the serious challenges they face by the Welsh Government.

The health board, which covers Carmarthenshire, has been placed under the second highest level on monitoring by ministers along with Swansea based Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.

Hywel Dda was described as facing "long-standing challenges" and has not yet been able to produce a plan to address them.

Both health boards were escalated to “targeted intervention” last week, just one level less than the most serious “special measures” and will now be monitored against a one-year improvement plan.

The additional support has been welcomed by Hywel Dda and targeted intervention from the Welsh Government.

Steve Moore, Hywel Dda Chief Executive, said: “We’ve been working very hard to make improvements, not just ensuring prudent use of our finances but also in improving our workforce position.”

Hywel Dda said it has already been taking action to improve its financial position and Mr Moore went on to recognise and reassure health board staff.

Mr Moore added: “Progress has already been made during the past 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.”

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

“We are confident that with additional support, we have an opportunity to provide both patients and staff with assurance that we have a sustainable plan and a financial position for the future.”