Part of 4. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:29 pm on 5 February 2020.
Can I start by thanking all the staff who work incredibly hard to deliver healthcare in north Wales each and every day? However, it is clear that we do need a focus on improvement and that vision comes from the very top. Minister, you'll be aware that I, along with my colleagues from north Wales—Labour colleagues—have been raising this issue with you and issues of concern with you on a regular basis, and this is mine and my colleagues' No. 1 topic of conversation. I will be looking forward to meeting with the interim chief exec at the earliest of opportunities and I will be raising issues that constituents raise with me on a weekly basis.
Firstly, accident and emergency services: the need for more minor injuries provision across Flintshire. One particular solution that I can see would be introducing a minor injuries service at Deeside hospital. Additionally, I will be raising mental health services. At the moment, Betsi do not live up to the motto that mental health services should be delivered with the same importance and urgency as physical health, and that does need to change and it does need to improve. And, finally, Minister, I will be raising the structure of the health board, and I look forward to that conversation in the future. So, Minister, will you join me in raising these issues on behalf of my constituents in Alyn and Deeside, but on behalf of the people right across north Wales, in your communications with the health board?