2. Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's priorities for the NHS in Monmouthshire? OAQ51581

Yes. Our priorities for the NHS in Monmouthshire are the same as they are for the whole of Wales. We'll continue to protect investment in the health service and deliver the range of commitments set out in 'Taking Wales Forward'.

First Minister, if I can I ask you about dementia care, there's deep concern in and around Chepstow at the planned closure of the purpose-built dementia ward at Chepstow Community Hospital and the relocation of services to St Woolos Hospital in Newport. Aneurin Bevan local health board have cited staff shortages as one of the reasons for this. This is at consultation phase at the moment. If this goes ahead, it will represent the loss of Monmouthshire's entire in-patient dementia provision, and a combined reduction in provision in Newport and Monmouthshire from 29 to 14 beds. Will you urge the health board to reconsider these flawed plans to protect Chepstow hospital's valuable resources and to find a more sustainable solution to the problem the health board is currently facing?

I am aware of the changes that have been made. I am also aware that the health board has undertaken a 12-week public consultation. That's still open, and I'd encourage all views to be fed into that consultation. I'm also aware that the health board has discussed options for the future development of Chepstow Community Hospital and has established a working group to develop proposals for the future of the excellent local facilities, and I further understand that the health board is expecting an initial report to be presented in the spring.