4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on maternity services and targeted intervention at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:23 pm on 21 January 2020.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 5:23, 21 January 2020

Minister, most of the points I wanted to make have already been made, and you've answered most of them. There is just one point that, obviously, is of concern, and that is the references to the punitive culture within the maternity services. Of course, it is something that has been rumoured of and of concern for quite some time. And you indicate in your statement, of course, that you've met with staff. Changing that culture is absolutely fundamental to the success of the whole reversal of the operation of maternity services and the delivery of it. I'm wondering what discussions you may have had, for example, with the trade unions that represent those staff and what the feedback has been from the staff, and how you evaluate the progress. Because, within the report, it does say that the culture within the service is still perceived as punitive. It does talk about work being under way, and of course it recognises culture change takes time, but this is very much work in progress. But it seems to me this is really one of the core points about change, and I'm wondering how you're evaluating and monitoring that specific aspect.