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 6:19 pm on 13 October 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 6:19, 13 October 2020

Yes, thank you for the question, and I'm very happy to reiterate that we do need to provide support to women and their families. It will be, as I say, a very difficult experience, and it's not one that I can say that I understand, because I haven't lived through that experience, and it's important to understand that it will be different for different people. People who have suffered loss will experience that differently, people who have suffered poor care will experience that differently, and it's important to understand their individual circumstances in providing them with support. I can honestly say that in my direct interaction with families on previous occasions—I know you were able to attend some of the events that were held—there's been a real variety of experience, where some people attended but didn't want to talk to anybody, were visibly upset but couldn't speak to people; others who appreciated the fact that panel members were there, that I was there; and other people who were still incredibly angry and upset. And that variety of emotions is one that we can expect to see again when the reviews are published. But it is a necessary part of improvement to honestly provide the reports of the independent panel. And as I say, we've got support from a range of groups, including the local Snowdrop group, including Sands, and including the local committee health council as well, and all of the different things that they're able to do in terms of supporting people, and the direct advice line and the contact route that families have to the panel are there to make sure that we understand and we can actually respond to the individual needs of families. Because, as I say, I don't underestimate how difficult the experience will be, but, speaking honestly, it won't be an experience that I can understand or share with them, because I am fortunate not to have had the same experience as them with our maternity services here in Wales.