3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:42 pm on 22 April 2020.

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Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour 3:42, 22 April 2020

Thank you, Minister, for all the work you and your officials are doing at this time. Following the Welsh Government investment, the Grange University Hospital was due to partially open at the end of April. Although the extra 350 beds will be ready and available as planned, over the last few days it has been very welcome to know that the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are unlikely to need to use the extra capacity. The health board have said that they will keep the situation under constant review in case evidence changes, and we must not be complacent. The health board, their dedicated staff and the community have been at the sharp end since early March, and I know that the additional staff recruited will be deployed to support the existing services. Can the Minister assure me that the experiences learned by Aneurin Bevan health board will be shared with others, and also what more can be done to urge members of the public that if they are having a heart attack or stroke, for example, to call 999 as critical beds are available?