1. Will the First Minister make a statement on the provision of dementia services in south-east Wales? OAQ52037

Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board have recently completed a consultation on the development of three centres of excellence for dementia care in their area and they are working with the regional partnership board to implement the new dementia action plan.

Thank you, First Minister. The decision of Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board to close the St Pierre dementia ward at Chepstow Community Hospital has been roundly criticised by dementia sufferers and their families alike in my constituency. It now appears that the decision could face a legal challenge from Monmouthshire County Council as it seems there is a strong case for a judicial review, and such action will clearly be detrimental to say the least to the relationship between the local authority and the health board. What discussions has your Government had with the local health board about their decision, and will you press the board to look at reversing this decision, even at this late hour?

Well, it is for the health board to plan and design services that meet population needs. Now, of course, as the Member has said, there are public concerns due to the closure of the ward at Chepstow. I understand the community health council have expressed overall support in relation to the community-based model. We know that community-based services assist people to have access to appropriate and timely services as close to their home as possible. The board have agreed a further £200,000 recurring revenue to continue to develop community-based services in Monmouthshire in recognition of the impact of this service change. 

Now, as far as we as a Government are concerned, of course, our dementia plan looks to strengthen services within the community, to enable admissions to hopsital for dementia to either be avoided or result in a shorter stay.