4. Will the First Minister make a statement on the future of health services in west Wales? OAQ52295

Hywel Dda university health board is currently consulting on its proposals to transform community and hospital services in west Wales. May I encourage everyone with an interest to engage in the consultation and have their say in helping to shape future services for the region?

First Minister, I’m sure you’re aware of my opposition to the current proposals of the Hywel Dda university health board, bearing in mind that each of the three options proposed by the health board will lead to the downgrading of Withybush hospital, which is unacceptable to the people I represent. Do you therefore share my concerns, and the concerns of the people of Pembrokeshire, that there is no option in the consultation that would safeguard services at Withybush hospital? And do you agree with me that any decisions on the future of health services in west Wales must respect the views of the people that those services serve?

It’s vital, of course, that there is a wide-ranging consultation, and that’s happened until now. Almost 1,000—964—online questionnaires have been completed, and over 500 postal questionnaires as well. Meetings have taken place and they have been well attended. And what’s important to remember, of course, is that what’s been placed in the document itself has been developed with doctors, nurses and staff, and people who provide care, representatives of patient groups and their partners as well. So, it’s not something that’s political in nature. It’s not something that’s been written by someone sitting in an office; it’s been put together by someone who works in the health service. So, it’s vital that people do take their part in this. I’m not expressing an opinion—and the Member wouldn’t expect me to do so—but it is vital that people do express their opinions about what structure they want in west Wales.

You will be aware that the Hywel Dda health board consultation is based on improving services in the community, and that is the foundation of an announcement made by the Government earlier this week in bringing health and care closer together. But the reality is that people have heard these rumours in the past, and the truth on the ground is that the waiting list is five years for an NHS dentist in southern Ceredigion, and having to phone in the morning for GP surgery appointments is very often used as a way of managing access to primary care. Wouldn't it make more sense if the health board could at least show the residents of the Hywel Dda area that it can do these basics right before they start to talk about castles in the air such as new hospitals?

No, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a new hospital in principle. I think that's something that is being considered. We are seeing hospitals being opened across Wales. What's important is that the structure is the right one. 

With doctors, of course, there's no reason why people should phone doctors in the morning. It's the doctors that do that—not the health board. There are several surgeries across Wales that don't demand that people do that, so that's the choice of the surgery and the GPs—[Interruption.] Well, I can say that there are several surgeries across Wales that do give people an opportunity to make appointments online. Are they doing that? They can phone up to make appointments. Are they doing that? It's the GPs' choice, and that's something that they will have to explain to their patients.

You will be aware, of course, First Minister, that there is a consultation that is ongoing and that it doesn't finish until 12 July. I did make a request here some weeks ago about having additional opportunities for people to take part in that consultation, and Hywel Dda health board did respond. I hope that you will reiterate again—because it is a consultation—that nothing is fixed as yet, and encourage people, whoever they are, and particularly whatever their views are, so that they can be considered in the final document that will come out for consideration post consultation.

It's right to say that no decisions have been made. It is hugely important, as I've said, that there is the fullest possible consultation. I've not heard of any complaints around the consultation itself, although, of course, there'll be strong views about what the outcome should be. As I've said before, it's hugely important that the health board maximises all opportunities to engage with the public.