High standards of care but ongoing concerns in some areas

During 2017-18, we completed nearly 300 inspections in a variety of healthcare settings across Wales including hospital wards, dental practices, general practices, mental health services and private healthcare services.

Overall we saw a high standard of care being delivered in healthcare services across Wales. Patients were pleased with the care they received and valued the work done by dedicated and committed staff, who were often working in pressured and challenging environments. 

However, we are disappointed to find that issues identified during its inspections in 2016-17 were still apparent in 2017-18. Medicines management continues to be an issue and many of our inspections also raised concerns about the environment of care. Professionals, managers and leaders in health services need to address these concerns to improve services for patients and the well-being of staff.

In 2018-19 we will continue to focus attention on promoting improvement in healthcare services in order to support and protect patients and the public. In the coming years we will develop our inspections to focus more on pathways, prevention and partnerships. More detail is contained within our recently published Strategic Plan 2018-21.

Chief Executive Dr Kate Chamberlain said:

This year again we have seen staff working hard to provide appropriate care that maintains patient dignity and manages risks. It is clear from our inspections that services continue to face significant challenges with staffing levels and environments of care. We acknowledge that health boards in Wales face a challenging agenda. However, it is critically important that whilst addressing their strategic and financial pressures, leaders in our health services do not lose sight of the need to provide safe, effective and patient-centred care.