1. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:56 pm on 26 August 2020.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 1:56, 26 August 2020

Of course, whilst cases in Wales remain relatively low, as you refer in your statement, First Minister, we must ensure, where possible, that routine NHS services and treatments that can go ahead should go ahead. There are people across Wales desperately waiting for surgeries and treatments that, if left, could have a significant impact on how they live their lives, and it's absolutely essential that every possible avenue is explored to ensure that they receive treatment as safely as possible in a timely manner. For example, the latest figures show a worrying rise in the number of patients waiting for treatment over 36 weeks and over 52 weeks at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, a health board that is directly under your control. These are real people, First Minister, desperately waiting for treatment, and many of whom are in severe discomfort and pain.

Now, worryingly, the British Medical Association's latest tracker survey of doctors has shown that 60 per cent of doctors said that they were not very or not at all confident in their local health economy or community services to meet demand as normal NHS services resume, and that is something that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Can you, therefore, tell us what urgent steps the Welsh Government is now taking to ensure that those people who are waiting for treatment across Wales will be able to access services as quickly as possible? And what discussions is the Welsh Government having with the medical profession on how it can best support those working in the NHS to address the backlog of surgeries and treatments right across Wales?