Thank you, Llywydd. Further to my written statement on Friday, I thought it important to update Members on actions that are being taken to support maternity services at Cwm Taf university health board. Reports over the past week are clearly very concerning, and Members will want to understand how the situation occurred. As a parent, I do appreciate how distressing this is for all those affected. I expect the health board to provide support to families and to be both open and transparent about individual review findings and any improvement actions that are needed. Whilst an adverse outcome cannot always be prevented, it is important that care is reviewed to identify any potential learning. Families, understandably, may also have questions that need answers. 

When women go into hospital, we rightly expect them to have good quality, safe care. Childbirth can be stressful, but also an experience that brings joy, so the welfare of women and babies must be our immediate concern. I've made it clear, through my conversation with the health board chair, that I expect every possible action to be taken to provide assurance that services are providing safe and compassionate care. My officials are also monitoring the situation closely and seeking such assurance. 

I also appreciate that this is a very difficult time for our staff, and they must be appropriately supported too. A key focus must be on ensuring safe staffing levels and strong clinical leadership. At a leadership level, we're ensuring that additional senior midwifery and medical management support is in place to provide both oversight and advice. The health board has successfully appointed a consultant midwife and recruited 15 additional midwives, of which 4.8 whole-time equivalent newly qualified staff take up post this week. Experienced midwifery support is also being provided by neighbouring health boards, including a clinical supervisor of midwives, and actions are in hand to increase medical staffing, including the appointment of an additional middle-grade doctor. 

I know that concerns have been expressed that Parentcraft antenatal classes have been cancelled, but I am advised that they will be reinstated within weeks—early next month—as staffing levels improve.