Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 2:32 pm on 19 September 2018.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 2:32, 19 September 2018

I welcome Angela Burns back following the reshuffle. I look forward to many continuing jousts of varying natures and temperatures.

The guidance you refer to has already been issued. We've already issued guidance about the use of the criteria for the transformation fund. And, more than that, in terms of the second part of your question—the confidence that we'll see real progress—I've made the time, together with the Minister, to make sure that we have met every single one of the regional partnership boards, we've met the health and local government leadership together, to be clear about what we expected in the development of 'A Healthier Wales', and then afterwards to be clear that we expect it now to be delivered. And, in meeting those people, what's been very interesting is that they all have ideas about the joint use of resources, where health and local government are genuine partners rather than one party being the decision maker and somebody else being a mere consultee—but, more than that, the range of projects and bids that we have already. I am hopeful that, within the coming weeks, not months, I'll be able to announce the first areas that will receive additional support from the transformation fund. And I think it will make real some of the discussions we're having now. I'm also confident that those parts of Wales that are not in the first group to have their transformation projects approved will see that as a helpful kick start to make sure they are not left in the slow lane. There is real ambition, I am pleased to say, to make sure that every part of Wales takes part in genuinely transforming services.