The chief executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr health board is stepping down after three-and-a-half years.

Carol Shillabeer has been appointed as the new CEO of the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

It comes just days after she defended a controversial review into the future of urgent care services at three hospitals across Anglesey and Gwynedd.

Ms Shillabeer was appointed as the interim CEO for the troubled North Wales health board in May 2023, shortly after it was placed under special measures from the Welsh Government.

Betsi has remained at the highest level of intervention during her tenure, and last July, health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor warned it was facing a "final chance" to improve.

The findings of an independent review into patient safety, leadership and culture are due to be published shortly.

But a spokesperson for BCUHB said Shillabeer had led the board through "a period of stabilisation and improvement...to maintain focus on improving services for people across North Wales".

She will continue in her current role until the New Year.

Ms Shillabeer said: "I am very proud of what colleagues across the organisation have achieved during an extremely demanding period. I have seen at first hand the commitment of our staff to patients, families and communities across North Wales."

"The opportunity to become Chief Executive of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is an exciting next step for me professionally, but leaving Betsi Cadwaladr and the many people I have worked alongside will not be easy."

"I am grateful to the chair, board, executive Team and colleagues right across the organisation for their support, challenge and commitment over the past three and a half years.”

Dyfed Edwards, chair of the Betsi Cadwaladr health board, added: "Carol joined Betsi Cadwaladr at an exceptionally challenging point in the organisation’s history and has provided committed and determined leadership over the past three and a half years."

"Considerable work remains to be done and we are very clear that our improvement journey continues."

"The board will now consider the appropriate leadership arrangements and will communicate these once the necessary processes have been completed."

Amid her departure, there are ongoing fears that Betsi could close urgent primary care centres at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog.

A review is ongoing and while no decision has yet been made, the health board has faced criticism for causing "considerable anxiety" to patients and staff amid the uncertainty.

If the plans go ahead, urgent care services at the three hospitals could be scrapped by the end of March.

Ms Shillabeer said on Tuesday: "The current UPCC service accounts for less than 1% of GP practice appointments in the areas it serves."

"We are currently considering its future as part of a wider review, which will identify how best to provide equitable, sustainable and high-quality same-day urgent care services for patients across North Wales."