5. Debate: The Primary Care Model for Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:28 pm on 7 May 2019.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 4:28, 7 May 2019

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'm happy to move the motion before us. Our vision in 'A Healthier Wales' is that everyone has a longer, healthier and happier life, that we're able to remain active, independent in our own homes for as long as possible. And that, of course, requires a whole-system approach to transformation. The primary care model for Wales is a whole-system approach; a health and well-being system where people access a range of seamless care and support at, or close to, their home, based on their unique needs and what matters to them. Our approach aims to deliver an effective system to support people to look after their own health and well-being. So, we will make it easier for people to access the right help and support, help that focuses on prevention, earlier action and wider well-being as well as treatment for ill health.

The new model means changes in our primary care workforce, bringing together a wider range of professionals to provide a wider range of services directly with patients at, or close to, their home. Progressively and consistently, services will be delivered by multiprofessional teams with stable general practice at the core. I've briefed Assembly Members many times on the significant action that we are taking to develop a multiprofessional general practice and to train and recruit more GPs. This action led to a 98 per cent fill rate of GP training places last year, and was particularly successful in filling vacancies in areas that had previously struggled to recruit. In stark contrast, in England, GP numbers have fallen significantly over recent years, but in Wales, the position has remained relatively stable over the last 10 years. Given that, and the ongoing GP contract negotiations, it should come as no surprise that we will not be supporting any of the Conservative amendments.