6. 6. Statement: Winter Preparedness

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:44 pm on 15 November 2016.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 4:44, 15 November 2016

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Can I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his comprehensive statement, which is very welcome? I do think it shows that the Government has given much thought and consideration to the issue, because it is evident. There are a whole variety of factors that impact on the preparedness of health and social services to cope with those additional winter pressures, and all of those have been well rehearsed time and time again. But this statement does give me some hope that the issues taken in evidence have been considered and that that has been done without complacency, and it gives me confidence that what can be done, I think, will be done. I think that we will be looking forward to a better winter in health and social services in Wales than, unfortunately, our colleagues in England.

So, I just want to ask two very simple questions, Cabinet Secretary, if I may: one that I’ve raised in the past, and is in relation to the Choose Well campaign and its contribution to ambulance response times and making people think twice before attending accident and emergency departments; and also on staff take-up of flu vaccinations. I note, Cabinet Secretary, you referred in your statement to the Choose Well campaign, but I wonder if you could say specifically how you believe that the campaign can contribute to the Government’s strategy. It’s kind of mentioned there in passing, but how can that contribute to the strategy to alleviate those spikes, particularly in hospital admissions?

Could you also tell us what more you think can be done to encourage NHS staff to take advantage of flu vaccinations, therefore not only reducing the risk of cross-infections but helping to address reduced staffing levels through sickness absence caused by people going off with flu during this critical period?