2. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 2 May 2017.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:20, 2 May 2017

Obviously, these issues have been raised, with specific examples of difficulties and pressures, and the First Minister responded to the one in terms of the GP day closure in the Rhondda. I think it is important in the context of recruitment again to say that our national and international campaign to attract GPs and the wider primary care workforce is already starting to bear fruit. Six months in and we have seen a 16 per cent increase in the number of GP training places filled so far compared to last year, and our £43 million primary care fund has helped provide more than 250 additional primary care posts, including GPs, nursing posts, pharmacists and physiotherapists, which of course are part of the answer and the response to primary care needs in terms of the wider primary care team. Also, I think there are the important investments taking place in the primary care clusters, which should also address this issue—64 primary care clusters ensuring that patients will be seen directly by the most appropriate professional for their needs. So, clearly, this is an issue of topical development and change that’s being raised today.