After its third inspection in a year, it failed to find any major improvements at a north Wales hospital's A&E department.
Staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital's A&E were said to be working hard to ensure their patients receive the best possible care. However, the hospital still requires significant improvement.
The inspectors have highlighted poor sepsis screening and triage and pain relief delays were putting patients at significant risk.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan admitted there were still "very, very serious problems" at the department.
Inspectors' concerns about standards in the department were classified as the most significant, with minimal improvements since their two previous visits.
Dr Nick Lyons, executive medical director and interim deputy chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr health board, noted improvements highlighted by inspectors but acknowledged "we still have some way to go" to improve care for all patients."
"Patients, along with the people of North Wales, deserve better"