6. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Maternity Services and Governance Improvements at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:17 pm on 13 October 2020.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 6:17, 13 October 2020

Thank you for the update, Minister. Firstly, can I thank the oversight panel for their continuing work over recent months and note that the review says that the health board have kept to their commitment to review maternity services in Cwm Taf, and that is to be welcomed? Like you, I'd like to thank all of those involved in delivering those improvements. Secondly, to place on record again my sincere condolences to all those who suffered loss and to sympathise with those who had an experience during their pregnancy and birth that fell well below that which we would expect our NHS to deliver.

Minister, the women, families and others affected by the identified failings are shortly to enter a very difficult phase, when they receive the outcomes of their case reviews and of their experience, and that may well be the most difficult period that they have had to face to date. So, you will understand that my question at this stage is entirely focused on them. And you have talked about support for the families in your statement, but can you please assure me that, as far as possible, any support arrangements that are put in place will be in line with the wishes of the families, the women and the families, and that, given that all the experiences will have been different, the support available to them will be tailored to the needs of each individual involved in these reviews?