Motion NDM6223 as amended:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Believes that good social care services play an essential role in keeping the NHS sustainable and recognises the role of allied healthcare professionals in reducing avoidable demand for social care.

2. Recognises and appreciates the contribution unpaid carers make to the health and social care system.

3. Believes respite care should be flexible and can take place in a wide variety of settings, including at home and in the wider community.

4. Notes that community hospitals are one of several settings which can play a role in providing both respite care and step up/step down care.

5. Welcomes:

a) the Welsh Government’s commitment to develop a national approach to respite to ensure that respite is responsive to individuals’ needs in a consistent manner across Wales;

b) the investment in extra care services made possible through the £60m Intermediate Care Fund in 2017-18; and

c) the new £40m fund announced in the 2017-18 Budget to develop new integrated health and social care centres across Wales.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to update the Assembly on the operation of S35 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, with regard to meeting carers’ respite needs.