6. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on 'Train. Work. Live.' Campaign

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:55 pm on 2 April 2019.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 4:55, 2 April 2019

Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. I have four specific questions for you. Firstly, I'd welcome your comments around recruitment to the variety of professions that we need within the Welsh NHS. I recently visited St John's Medical Practice in Aberdare to see their award-winning virtual ward programme, which enables a range of multidisciplinary professionals to work together to deliver improved patient outcomes. How can initiatives like this be used to promote Wales as a place for NHS professionals to work?

In addition, I note your remarks around the pharmacy phase of 'Train. Work. Live.' I know this fits with your previous commitments to ensure that NHS professionals in Wales can fully utilise their skill set. Can you provide any further information about this part of the roll-out of 'Train. Work. Live.'? Linked to this, I've also been very impressed with Cwm Taf's support for career development within its workforce, so I'd welcome your thoughts on how this could best be prioritised and if, in particular, you agree with me that it's important to encourage professionals into areas like mine in the Valleys.

Lastly, I know there are particular challenges around out-of-hours GP cover, and, with the success of 'Train. Work. Live.'—and, indeed, I note your previous comments about the programme surpassing its targets—would there be any capacity for overfill of these out-of-hours posts?