Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 3:29 pm on 13 March 2019.
I recognise the points the Member made, following the report that was published following the unannounced inspections that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales undertook in October of last year. Some immediate actions were taken and they have recruited more staff into the midwifery service within Cwm Taf. And it's important to recognise that this isn't just about the point at which people give birth, it's actually about the support and encouragement given beforehand. And, again, midwives are a really important part of that. But, actually, there are many other drivers around whether people are prepared to initiate, and then continue, breast feeding as well. So it's about how different parts of our system work together, as well as, as I've said, the social drivers too. I can say that my expectation is that Cwm Taf will be Birthrate Plus compliant—they will have the right number of midwives, for the births that are expected, to do their job, both within the community and within the way in which we are rearranging midwifery and maternity settings as well.