8. Debate: The General Principles of the Health and Social Care (Quality and Engagement) (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:39 pm on 26 November 2019.

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Photo of Helen Mary Jones Helen Mary Jones Plaid Cymru 4:39, 26 November 2019

I rise to participate in this debate somewhat conflicted. There is much to commend in what this Bill seeks to achieve: the strengthening of the citizen voice, introducing a duty of candour, a duty of quality. But as the committee's report highlights, and as referenced by the other committee report, and is clear in evidence from stakeholders, as it's actually drafted at the moment, it's a missed opportunity. It risks, I'm sure unintentionally, weakening the citizen's voice by centralising a body that currently delivers locally, by removing or unreasonably restricting the right of access to settings that we know has been pivotal. Llyr Gruffydd has referred to Tawel Fan. People being able to come in to see what's going on without having to ask—absolutely crucial, and by reducing the independence from the current community health council sitting. If these people are Government appointees, as Angela Burns has said, there is a risk that even if they are truly independent, they may not be perceived to be, and people may not trust them.