2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:01 pm on 10 December 2019.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:01, 10 December 2019

(Translated)

Just one request for a statement and one for a debate, both involving health. You will have heard, I'm sure, in the press and media last week the heartbreaking case of my constituent Thomas Griffith Jones, who has dementia but is facing being moved to Stafford because of his intensive care needs. The Government has said—the First Minister said in response to an oral question that had a written response recently—that the Government's aim is that there is an expectation that every Welsh speaker with dementia will receive care in his or her language of choice, for clinical reasons. That clearly contradicts the reality of the situation. We know how crucial it is that one receives care in one's first language when dementia is a problem. Welsh is Twm's first language—his only language, if truth be told. I have spoken to the local authority. They are willing to co-operate as part of the regional partnership, but it's the responsibility of the health board ultimately, and the Welsh Government is responsible for Betsi Cadwaladr health board. The health Minister has told me that he will contact the chair of the health board. We need urgent action to secure care for Twm and similar cases. We need a statement to tell us what the Government is going to do now as a matter of urgency to increase capacity, because this isn't a unique case.