We recognise the significant role clinical trials can play in improving health outcomes. We invest more than £21 million in NHS Wales through Health and Care Research Wales to increase opportunities for people to participate in research. Additionally the Healthwise Wales initiative allows everyone over 16 to take part in research.

I expect all patients to be seen in a timely manner based on clinical need. I expect the health board to continue to work closely with the planned care programme to develop a sustainable service.

The changes to women’s and children’s services made by Hywel Dda university health board in 2014 have resulted in better patient outcomes and improved compliance with standards. This was confirmed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s independent review of maternity, neonatal and paediatric services in west Wales which concluded that it would make no clinical sense to return to the previous arrangements.

Changes to the GP contract for 2017-18 have been agreed with British Medical Association Wales which will see an investment of £27 million in general medical services. During 2017-18 we will be working with the BMA to modernise the contract.

The consultant contract has operated in Wales since 2003. There is widespread agreement that the UK medical contracts are in need of modernisation and we will need to consider how medical contracts could best support the future needs of the NHS in Wales.

The Sport Wales Vision document launched in 2011 highlighted how Sport Wales aimed at promoting a culture change in sport which would better deliver on our sport and physical activity agenda. Progress continues, participation rates in sport especially amongst young people are increasing and we are achieving success at elite level.