10. Plaid Cymru Debate: Access to Health Services

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:18 pm on 6 November 2019.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 5:18, 6 November 2019

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I'd like to thank Members who've contributed to this debate. Of course, access to primary care services is a key part of the Government strategy 'Prosperity for All'. Medical services are a vital part of primary care for people across Wales and valued by us all. It's a real positive that, in the latest national survey, 93 per cent of people were positive about their most recent experience in primary care. However, we're all aware of the challenges that Wales and every country within the UK faces.

The old way of delivering primary medical and dental services is not sustainable, so we need to move on and rise to the challenge, as Members have recognised. 'A Healthier Wales' sets out our joint vision, across health and social care, for a whole-system transformation. Our vision is that everyone has a longer, healthier and happier life, is better able to remain active and independent in their own homes as long as possible. To do that, to deliver that transformation, we recognise the need to develop and diversify our workforce, to change the way that we work and signpost people to the most appropriate local service, to deliver the right care, at the right time and in the right place. 

So, our health boards do have an ambitious work programme, with a focus on delivering a 24/7 model for primary care, that's both in hours and out of hours, with the roll-out of our 111 service. And, of course, to help move forward on the transformation of primary care, I've already invested £89 million in the transformation fund. Every single health board area in Wales is trialling a new and a better way of working. There are, of course, always going to be specific challenges that need to be addressed within local communities. I recognise the comments made by Huw Irranca.