I’d like to echo the comments made by other Members on the debt of gratitude that we owe to unpaid carers. It’s crucial that we value and respect them, and I think Llyr has raised a really important point about young carers in particular.

Today I want to touch on the impact of the intermediate care fund. It’s a very good example where better integration between health and social care services exists in practice, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and delays in discharges. One example of this success is in my constituency. The Welsh Government has invested £0.5 million in capital funds and £390,000 in revenue funds to develop the intermediate care unit at Parklands residential home in Malpas. The collaborative work between the Welsh Government, Aneurin Bevan health board and Newport City Council has provided a place where patients who are well enough to leave hospital, but are not yet able to return home, can access the care and support they need at that time.

Between 1 April and 31 December 2016, 55 people were admitted to Parklands, with an average stay of four weeks. Of those who were admitted only six people returned to hospital, with 47 being able to return to their own home. The experiences of two of my constituents demonstrate the difference this facility has made to these individuals and their families. One constituent was admitted following a stroke. He had reduced mobility and speech and had lost a lot of weight. He received support from the neurological community rehabilitation team at Parklands, which consisted of an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, a dietician and a speech and language therapist. During his stay of approximately six weeks, he gained weight and his mobility and speech improved, meaning that he was able to return home to live with his wife.

Another former resident of Parklands was referred following multiple hospital stays, due to a general deterioration in her health, and she had an inability to cope at home. She felt she needed to go into residential care but had the opportunity to stay at Parklands first. She stayed at Parklands for approximately 10 weeks, but early in her stay she had built up her confidence enough to want to return home. With the help of staff, she regained her mobility, and following a meeting with her family, she realised she could live independently. A stairlift was fitted to enable her to access the whole of her property and she returned home with a care package. She has not been readmitted to hospital since.

There are many more examples that I could quote, all of which demonstrate Parklands was able to personalise the care needs to the individual. This type of step-up, step-down care is making a real difference to people and their families, as both myself and the Minister have seen for ourselves. The intermediate care fund is able to improve the quality of life for many in need of social care and alleviate the pressure put on hospital beds. With an ageing population, more accommodation like Parklands is crucial to ensure people remain in their home for as long as possible.