8. Will the Minister make a statement on the primary care needs of the populations of Llanharan and Pencoed? OAQ(5)0051(HWS)

Thank you for the question. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg and Cwm Taf university health boards are working together on primary care services in Pencoed and Llanharan. They’re putting in place a joint working party to look at new ways to better meet local need.

Thank you very much, Cabinet Secretary. It’s the second time I’ve done that; I’ll try not to do it again. It’s great to hear about the work going on on the ground, and much of that has been pushed by local residents and also the leadership of local individuals like councillors Geraint Hopkins, Roger Turner and others. But could I ask him to keep a particular eye on this, because the population of Llanharan is growing and growing? There are also needs within the Pencoed area as well. But clearly what is needed is something that is modern, that provides not only GP services, but that wider service of the allied health professionals as well, that does exactly what the Welsh Government is trying to do, which is to keep people closer to their homes, healthy and fit, and not to have them washing up into A&E because their fitness and their health suffers. So, please keep a close eye on this. It’s great to hear of the work that’s going on, but, please, anything he can do to encourage it will be gratefully received.

Thank you. I recognise there is planned population growth within the particular area and there are challenges about the current service model that’s being delivered and also the estate, as well. You are right; there was an indication in previous questions that the way in which we use the primary care estate will be important for the model that we provide—for GPs, but also for the public and what they can expect to receive in that. I recognise what you say about the two local members, and I’m glad you haven’t tried to sing in the way that Geraint does often—although he’s got a great voice. But I do think that it’s important to keep an eye on what’s happening, and I’ve had conversations with the chairs of both health boards involved. It’s a border issue, because the communities we’re talking about straddle that unseen border. So, I expect to be kept properly appraised of what is happening and I look forward to working with both yourself and other stakeholders to deliver a better future for primary care in this particular part of Wales.

Thank you to the Cabinet Secretary.