I am particularly encouraged by the integrated planning commitment from supporting organisations in Wales, including EASC, WHSSC, the shared services NHS partnership and NWIS—I should say, in terms of all the different initials within health, the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee, the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee and the NHS Wales Informatics Service. They are not covered by a statutory duty to develop IMTPs, but nevertheless they've fully embraced the requirements and spirit of the Act. They play a key role in enabling and joining up the system. Health Education and Improvement Wales, as a new strategic health authority, is not currently covered by the duty, but chose to demonstrate its commitment to planning by submitting an integrated plan in its first year. So, HEIW is playing a key role in working with health boards and trusts to address key workforce and training challenges in partnership and collaboration. This is key to ensuring that our services can deliver effective care and treatment when required.

I look ahead, now, to the next planning round, for the period 2020-23, when I expect to see further steps made to improve our approach to integrated planning. To support this aim, I have brought forward the publication of the national integrated medium-term plan by four months. The development of a national IMTP was one of 40 commitments I made when publishing 'A Healthier Wales'. The national IMTP will help to make a further contribution to strengthening our integrated planning system. The intention of this inaugural document is to look back and reflect on the outcome and impact of the last planning round. I am also clear that my intention for the document was to set the tone and direction for the next round. The early issuing of the national IMTP has meant that we commence the next planning round with greater clarity and direction, which has been welcomed by the service.

The national IMTP found evidence of organisations making good progress in areas such as primary and community care, mental health, innovation, collaboration, and research and development. Whilst improvements were made in these particular areas, there is still a need to ensure improved grip around commissioning arrangements, a wider focus on prevention and a stronger approach to regional planning for health services. By issuing the national IMTP, I have reaffirmed a clear strategic context for the next planning round. 'Prosperity for All', supported by 'A Healthier Wales' and our unique and groundbreaking suite of Welsh legislation, creates the framing for the integrated planning system in Wales. We will continue to use this context to embrace change and create resilience and sustainability for patients throughout Wales, wherever they live.

The Government’s commitment to sustainability and de-carbonisation is an area that NHS organisations are embracing, and the impact of change can already be seen. Innovative schemes are being implemented that address climate change challenges and also bring health and well-being benefits. Swansea Bay’s focus on de-carbonisation and biodiversity has seen it become the first health board in Wales to develop a green growth project. I am keen for sustainability to be an area of focus in the next round of plans to maximize the use of our finite resources. We will address this as a matter of urgency and show leadership in this area from the health service.

Plans are, of course, required to be financially balanced. I am pleased to note the continued reduction of financial deficits across NHS Wales. At a time when we are still having to do more with less, that positive trend must continue. I expect to see further reductions in the overall deficit in the coming years.

The Welsh Government continues to work with all health boards and trusts, particularly those in escalation, to provide the advice, challenge and support they need to work towards achieving approved plans. Quality remains central to the health and care system in Wales. I am determined that we continue to raise the bar for everyone to ensure equity, reduce health inequalities and deliver the vision set out in 'A Healthier Wales'.

Finally, I want to reaffirm my commitment to the NHS planning agenda in Wales. I have invested in developing and strengthening planning skills through the new planning academy. The new diploma in healthcare planning starts this month and the programme includes a range of peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

My five priorities for our healthcare system are: prevention, reducing health inequalities, delivering the primary care model for Wales, timely access to care, and mental health. Achieving the vision I set out in 'A Healthier Wales' will deliver those priorities for the people of Wales. Looking ahead, I want to see the population at the heart of our integrated planning systems. Placing people at the heart of an integrated planning system is an essential building block to the progress we all want to see. Just as this Government wants to see people benefiting from a more equal, prosperous and greener Wales, I want the same for our NHS and for the people we serve. Diolch.