5. Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government’s plans for neonatal services in Wales? OAQ(5)0067(HWS)

Yes. I’m happy to say that the most recent perinatal mortality surveillance report, published in May of this year, showed that Wales’s neonatal outcomes were comparable to the UK as a whole, and better than some areas with similar levels of high deprivation. So, we will continue to invest in the workforce and in capital to develop neonatal services for the future.

I’m glad to recognise the improvement in outcomes. However, you will be aware that a recent report by Bliss highlighted that only two out of 10 neonatal units had enough nurses to staff their cots in line with national standards. If you fail to address this matter for next September’s trainee nurse intake, then will it not become impossible for your Government to fulfil the commitment made by the First Minister on 13 July for neonatal services in Wales to be properly staffed by 2021? Given that, I wonder if you could highlight what actions you’re taking to ensure that this commitment is indeed met.

Thank you for all the follow-up questions. Of course, when we have our trainee nurse numbers we expect to have an intake, and there are challenges for us to discover and deliver on to make sure that we actually retain those nurses within the Welsh system if at all possible. There’s also a problem with general nurse recruitment anyway. You’ll know that there is a general challenge across western Europe, in fact, in recruiting and retaining nurses. It isn’t something unique to Wales, but it does mean that we are in a very, very competitive market, just as with some parts of doctor recruitment.

I don’t think that we’re going to get to the point where the commitments that this Government has made are going to be undeliverable. The challenge is how we do it, but what should provide some confidence is that, in a range of areas, we’ve already seen a significant increase in some of the nursing numbers. For example, in west Wales, you’ll be aware following the question last week, that one of the things that has been done with the new model is a significant improvement in nurse recruitment and retention. So, it is possible. It’s part of what we expect to see. We need to make sure that the models of care that we provide are attractive to keep nurses there to provide high-quality care. But, of course, you will see—in a very open way, through each year—a range of information about the nurse numbers we have in neonatal services. And we will, of course, report against those national standards. My interest is to make sure that we meet those national standards and we continue to evidence a real improvement in outcomes for mothers and babies as well.

Thank you. Michelle Brown. No? Okay. Thank you. Question 6, Vikki Howells.