3. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:50 pm on 21 June 2016.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 2:50, 21 June 2016

Can I called for two statements, please, leader of the house—the first from the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport on the deactivation of pacemakers towards the end of life? This has been brought to my attention by the tragic case of Patricia Hastings from Rhos-on-Sea who passed away with vascular dementia earlier this year. Unfortunately, her family members had to see her face the indignity of a pacemaker that prolonged her suffering at the end of her life as a result of it kicking in when the natural process of death was taking place. The Cabinet Secretary for health will be aware that there has been a piece of guidance that has been published by the British Cardiovascular Society in conjunction with the National Council for Palliative Care. This was published in March 2015, yet it has not yet been fully considered by the Welsh Government for implementation here in Wales. This is 12 months on. This could have given Patricia Hastings some dignity at the end of her life and I’m sure that there are many other people who face similar situations to hers and the very tragic experience of her family. So, if I could ask for a statement on that, I would appreciate it.

Secondly, can I also call for a statement from the Minister for Communities and Children on the anniversary of the battle of the Somme, which of course takes place on 1 July this year? Tens of thousands of Welsh troops lost their lives in the awful horrors of the warfare that was experienced in that particular battle. Over 1 million people died in total, and I think we do need to know what the Welsh Government is doing—whether there are any activities that are being sponsored—and how we as AMs in our constituencies can help to promote those activities as a fitting tribute to the legacy of these heroes who passed away in those horrific events. Thank you.