QNR – in the Senedd on 1 March 2017.
We have adopted a broad approach to preventing avoidable harms and achieving our aspirations for a healthy Wales through legislation, programmes and working across policy areas. We are making real progress in areas such as reducing teenage pregnancies and in smoking rates. Progress in tackling obesity remains a key priority.
I would encourage everyone to choose the right service for their needs. The new Cwm Taf UHB website explains what NHS services are available in the Cynon Valley and includes a link to the Choose Well website and the NHS Direct Wales symptom checker.
I welcome the health boards’ commitment to jointly lead this collaboration, working closely with university and local authority partners. The Welsh Government has provided £1.2 million to support this innovative new collaboration, which has made good progress during the last year.
I refer to the answer I gave to WAQ72042—that we are currently reviewing the guidance and associated regulations relating to the charging of overseas patients healthcare.
My priority is to provide the people of west Wales with health services that deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. We will be guided by the best and most up-to-date clinical evidence and advice to deliver high-quality care that the people of west Wales deserve.
Last week, I announced a £95 million funding package to support a wide range of education and training programmes for healthcare professionals. This included a 13 per cent increase in nurse training places, a 40 per cent increase in midwifery training places and enables more than 3,000 new students to undertake study in Wales.
We recognise how important community pharmacies are in all parts of Wales. We will continue to invest in strengthening the role of community pharmacies as an integral part of a modernised primary and community care team.
I recognise the vital role midwives play in supporting women through their childbirth experience. On 20 February, I announced a £95 million funding package to support education and training programmes for healthcare professionals, which included a 40 per cent increase in midwifery training places. This is the highest level of midwifery training places commissioned since devolution.