<p>Health Services in Torfaen </p>

Part of 2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport – in the Senedd at 3:02 pm on 5 October 2016.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 3:02, 5 October 2016

I thank the Member for the question, and I do recognise that she has persistently and consistently raised this issue in this Chamber for more than one term, as well as in the meetings that I have been happy to have with you and a range of other Gwent constituency members who have taken up the issue with you. I said in health committee that I recognise there is a need for certainty, that I recognised the time that it has taken to get to this point and that I am the fourth health Minister who has had this issue presented to them to try and make some sort of decision. I am keen to provide certainty and I have stuck to the timetable that I indicated in committee: within this half of this term, I expect to receive advice to allow me to make a decision. I recognise this isn’t just a Gwent issue, but it is part of the south Wales programme. So, I have to understand what impact this will have, not just on localised healthcare for constituents living in Gwent, but what impact it will have upon the broader range of services that we need to have right across south Wales, to make sure that our healthcare services are fit for the future. I recognise the impact locally, regionally and nationally. I’m determined to stick to that timescale and to give you and other Members the confidence that this has not been hit into the long grass. This is something that is very much at the forefront of my mind, and I expect to keep to the timescale that I’ve indicated to you in committee that, by the end of this month, I should have advice and I shall make a decision.