NHS Forth Valley has been relieved from government control, following significant improvements to their performance.

The health board had been placed in level four of NHS Scotland’s Support and Intervention Framework after “significant risks to their delivery, quality, financial performance or safety” were found.

This escalation had been in place since November 2022, placing NHS Forth Valley at the second highest stage.

Stage four meant that the Scottish Government assumed direct oversight, putting in place a transformation team to help improve the running of the health board.

Now, NHS Forth Valley have been brought back down to stage three, reporting improvements to leadership, culture and governance had been made.

Neil Gray, health secretary, said: “Following considerable progress against measures outlined in their improvement plan, it is encouraging the Scottish Government are now able to move NHS Forth Valley to stage three on the Support and Intervention Framework.

“The Board has provided evidence of tangible and sustainable improvements across the three areas they were escalated for: leadership, culture and governance.

“This is a step forward, however, it is vital improvements made are sustained and the Board continues to prioritise delivery of actions now being monitored as business as usual.”

Inspectors towards the health board had found issues surrounding out-of-hours service, waiting times and the integration of social care.

Additionally, vacancies were also reported at a high, with doctors sitting at around 14 per cent of the share.

The change has been implemented as of October 1, which will now see the Scottish Government step back from oversight on the health board.

Neena Mahal, interim chair of NHS Forth Valley, said: “This decision recognises the considerable progress that has been made to strengthen and improve leadership, culture and governance across the organisation.

“We recognise, however, there is more to do to ensure we maintain and build on the changes and improvements made over the last two years and we will continue to work closely with Scottish Government colleagues to monitor progress going forward.”

The de-escalation has been praised by local politicians, who had previously been outspoken about the state the health board was in.

First to register their response was Keith Brown, SNP MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who said: “I am glad that progress has been made in improving our NHS operation locally since then – ensuring that NHS Forth Valley can now move to level three.

“[This is] an indication that there has been significant progress made in improving the governance, leadership and culture in NHS Forth Valley.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to all hardworking NHS staff in Forth Valley, and across Scotland for making this improvement in the organisation of our local NHS.”

Mr Brown’s words were echoed by Alexander Stewart, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland Fife.

Mr Stewart has been vocal about waiting times at NHS Forth Valley, regularly speaking with constituents who had had bad experiences at the hospital.

He added: “I am very pleased to learn of the health board’s movement back into stage 3 and that things are starting to move for the better at long last.

“Back in November 2022, I exposed during first minister’s questions, the toxic and bullying culture at the Larbert facility, which saw five consultants resign within two weeks.

“Then stage 4 came after notable failings of the health board to adhere to stage 3, including those issues found by inspectors surrounding out-of-hours service, waiting times and the integration of social care.

“So while I very much welcome this news, it must be stressed that this is a cautious welcome and I shall continue to monitor the situation, as communication at all levels must be maintained, to ensure that facilities across NHS Forth Valley are always safe and fit for purpose.”