Vaughan Gething: Well, it's a consequence of the arrangements that have been put in place at a private prison, and that's not a matter that I can intervene on or actually undo. I would much prefer it if prisoner healthcare was run in a different way. I'd personally prefer it if there was an update to the formula to recognise the increase in prisoner population, and the needs that exist. I'd much prefer if we...
Vaughan Gething: I don't think this issue is affected at all in any adverse way by the change in boundaries. In fact, part of the challenge previously for this practice was having centres to operate in different health board areas. And in my conversation with the constituency Member, my understanding is different to the one you've set out. It may be worth you putting that in writing, then I can write to both...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you for the question. The only health board boundary change that has taken place since 2009 is to move the Bridgend county borough area from Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board to Cwm Taf University Health Board and to form the new Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. The legislation making that change came into effect on 1 April 2019.
Vaughan Gething: Progress with the construction of the new Grange hospital remains on track and on budget and it is due to open on 1 April 2021. It will provide a 470-bed hospital for the population of south-east Wales.
Vaughan Gething: 'A Healthier Wales' demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of the health and care workforce across Wales. It will also be at the heart of the workforce strategy that we have commissioned Health Education and Improvement Wales and Social Care Wales to develop by the end of the year.
Vaughan Gething: Recently I launched the allied health professions framework for Wales to support these professions towards the more extensive role in primary and community care envisioned in 'A Healthier Wales'. Health boards are already extending the role of AHPs through their local plans to strengthen primary care.
Vaughan Gething: Powys Teaching Health Board is responsible for ensuring any commissioned services from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust are safe and sustainable for Welsh families. Chief executive officer-led arrangements are in place to assess current improvement plans and any issues of concern.
Vaughan Gething: We recognise that a baby's death is a devastating event for any family. Welsh Government is committed to ensuring the best possible care and support are made available to all bereaved families in Wales.
Vaughan Gething: £22.7 million has been provided to Cwm Taf Morgannwg regional partnership board. The proposal will expand successful pilot projects across Cwm Taf and Bridgend to provide greater choice and independence for individuals, whilst reducing pressure on social care, general surgeries and hospitals.
Vaughan Gething: Formally.
Vaughan Gething: Well, I think that reinforces two points. The first is that I still don't think it's helpful to try and say there is a good community health council and that others aren't. I think that's problematic. It's not a view that the national board of community health councils themselves take. And the second is, of course, that, in talking about wanting to have different ways of working, there's a...
Vaughan Gething: Yes. Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you to Members who have contributed in today's debate, but, more than that, as I say, to the ongoing scrutiny process over a period of time. I should start, perhaps, with the comments made by the Plaid Cymru spokesperson in indicting that their whole group had changed their mind post the committee's report. That's obviously disappointing,...
Vaughan Gething: The four elements of the Bill make a step forward to better quality improvement and support, more integrated working between health and social care and improved citizen engagement. I'm grateful to members of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, the Finance Committee and the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee for their scrutiny of the Bill so far, and for their...
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm happy to move the motion before us today and the debate on the general principles of the Health and Social Care (Quality and Engagement) (Wales) Bill, which I introduced on 17 June this year. I'd like to place on record my thanks to all stakeholders and members of the public who engaged with us and contributed to our thinking. The Bill reflects the...
Vaughan Gething: That's what we're going to do—[Inaudible.]
Vaughan Gething: Well, I think there are two points there, aren't there? There's one about end-of-life care, which is a significant priority in primary care, which is no surprise given the profile of our population and the numbers involved, and there's much greater engagement and involvement from primary care in providing good end-of-life care—it's part of standard business in primary care, so not just our...
Vaughan Gething: Yes.
Vaughan Gething: Thank you, Llywydd. I do want to thank the Conservatives for bringing this important issue to the Chamber today, and all Members who have contributed. I have listened to what speakers have had to say, and I recognise a number of the points that have been made. And, overall, we're broadly supportive of the motion. The Government amendment has been tabled to draw together the commitments we...
Vaughan Gething: Formally.
Vaughan Gething: Formally, Chair.
