Services to Support Children with Arthritis in South Wales Central

Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 3:08 pm on 19 September 2018.

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Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative 3:08, 19 September 2018

Minister, you'll know that Arthritis Care merged with Arthritis Research UK last year and I understand that in Wales, the charity will now be known as Cymru Versus Arthritis. I'm sure we all commend that objective. Regarding provision in south Wales, I am aware that the paediatric rheumatology provision was included in the annual financial plan for the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee and that committee will be developing a potential service specification model for an enhanced paediatric rheumatology service. Can you give us an update on where that work is? It's really essential, because succession action will be needed as soon as possible due to the impending retirement of the rheumatologist who currently undertakes paediatric service, part time—though he's not a specialist specifically in paediatrics, but has extended his work to cover that area with great distinction.