Vaughan Gething: I'm happy to reiterate the comments that I made earlier to Suzy Davies about patient flows and about the way in which services are planned and provided. This should not interrupt the way in which health provision is already taking place. That needs to take account of what is already in place and discussions that have already happened. I've met with the previous chair of Cwm Taf and the chair...
Vaughan Gething: We remain committed to improving emergency health services across Wales. I have made clear to health boards my expectation for improved performance, particularly as we approach the winter period. I have, of course, made a statement about preparations for the forthcoming winter today to coincide with the launch of this winter's Choose Well campaign.
Vaughan Gething: We recognise that the performance in some parts of our system is not acceptable. We've actually invested a significant amount of capital in providing a new A&E unit within Glan Clwyd. And there's a challenge for us about understanding not just the nature of demand, but also what we need to do outside of hospital with our social care system and the clinical leadership that needs to exist...
Vaughan Gething: The landmark active travel Act is an important step towards helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality and, indeed, the nation’s health. Early implementation of the Act is progressing but the change in travel behaviour needed to achieve the long-term health impact we seek will take time to realise.
Vaughan Gething: It's not my job to reflect on the reasons for a change in responsibilities; that's a matter for the First Minister, of course, as it should be. The challenge for all of us as Ministers is actually how we continue to work effectively across the Government. 'Prosperity for All' is a proper attempt at trying to get the Government to work more effectively across the different departments to make...
Vaughan Gething: The cancer delivery plan published in November 2016 sets out our vision for cancer services and outcomes in Wales to match the best in Europe. This includes a renewed focus on detecting cancer earlier, making it more likely that treatment can be curative, less intensive and less expensive.
Vaughan Gething: The number of hours worked by community health council members will obviously vary. However, for members who are appointed by Welsh Ministers, a guideline time commitment of between three and five days per month is provided. I am grateful to all CHC members for the valuable work that they do.
Vaughan Gething: This is a matter for health boards and NHS trusts as employers and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. HMRC have recently changed their regulations and the NHS is working with them on implementation of the revised regulations. Officials have monitored the position ensuring chief executives are taking action.
Vaughan Gething: The provision of patient hotels is a matter for health boards to determine. Welsh Government expects that any environment provided for patients is safe and clinically appropriate.
Vaughan Gething: We recognise the importance of breastfeeding and are committed to increasing breastfeeding rates and this issue remains a priority for Public Health Wales. I recently asked my officials and the Royal College of Midwives to facilitate a task and finish group to explore ways to further improve uptake and provide support to families.
Vaughan Gething: Good afternoon and thank you, Llywydd. I'm pleased to open today's debate and move the motion before us on tackling substance misuse. I'll comment initially about the amendments and then go into my remarks—broadly about where we find ourselves in Wales today. I'm happy to confirm that we'll support amendment 1 from Plaid Cymru—I'll mention that later on. On amendment 2, we won't be able...
Vaughan Gething: Minimum unit pricing will form part of, and complement, our wider substance misuse work. We are already working to tackle the excessive consumption of alcohol through better education, prevention and treatment services to support the most harmful of drinkers. We'll continue to work with the families, of course, of those who misuse alcohol. And we're also working on a number of areas to tackle...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’d like to thank Members for a constructive and considered debate on tackling substance misuse. As was noted both in my opening remarks and by most Members who spoke, this is an ever-changing landscape, which makes our work very challenging. As Jenny Rathbone said, this is a complex and difficult problem, so there isn’t a simple answer that is...
Vaughan Gething: Formally.
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to thank Members for a spirited and difficult debate, with lots of criticism, and that is to be expected. I'll recognise at the outset that the Government will support amendment 2, as we do recognise the workforce challenges faced. We might have worded it differently, but I think it's wrong to try and dance on a pin about individual wording in the...
Vaughan Gething: The HIW and Wales Audit Office review also noted continuing pressing challenges, including the need for a clear plan for clinical services, and that will require brave and visible leadership to build on and ensure progress. I am, of course, disappointed that some issues have escalated during the last six months in other areas that now require significant improvement, notably in terms of...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I’d like to thank Jayne Bryant for bringing forward this debate today, for a very thoughtful contribution, and equally both Mick Antoniw and Jane Hutt for adding to that with particular points as well. I do welcome this opportunity for dialogue and engagement in the Chamber to discuss issues relating to the social and health impact of problem gambling....
Vaughan Gething: As a Government, our aim is to work across portfolios to identify the actions that we can take to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and limit the impact it has on the people of Wales. As we know, the regulation and licensing for gambling is not devolved at present, but the Wales Act next year will provide Welsh Ministers and the Assembly with new powers in relation to fixed-odds...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I have listened carefully to the comments that were made in the debate today, and I recognise the Member for raising what is an important issue. All of us in this room are aware that diabetes can cause significant long-term health problems and, in rare circumstances, it can be fatal. Members here want to at the outset recognise the commitment, and, as...
Vaughan Gething: Ambulance performance in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board area has exceeded the eight minute target for red calls in each of the last 19 months. In October, the typical response time for a red call was just over five minutes, and for amber calls the typical response time was less than 20 minutes.
