7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: NHS Capacity

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:09 pm on 17 October 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 5:09, 17 October 2018

(Translated)

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I move the amendments tabled in my name. It is encouraging, I think, that we appear to be moving towards having a more sophisticated understanding, now, that the NHS is facing year-round pressures, not just winter pressures, when extreme weather can generate pressures in the emergency care system. Now, the implications of this realisation are very clear—the NHS needs to plan for seasonal pressures, but what needs to be understood is that seasonal pressures are something that can happen across the year. Yes, there is winter every year, but it's highly likely we'll have spells of high temperatures more frequently in the future too, and we know that high temperatures can put a great strain on health services.