9. Short Debate: Supporting those who support us: The mental wellbeing of our NHS and social care workforce

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:10 pm on 20 January 2021.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 5:10, 20 January 2021

Following a review of occupational health services across Wales, commissioned by health boards, we'll be working with partners to consider an appropriate occupational health solution for Wales, based on the review recommendations. I understand that a partnership group has been established to look at this work, including representation from unions, employers and the Welsh Government. We're also funding an employee assistance programme, which has been procured and managed by Social Care Wales. This is going to provide longer term well-being support for people within the social care workforce, who are not yet covered by the scheme.

Now, we're not done in our fight against this unrelenting virus. The roll-out of the vaccination programme and the publication of our vaccination plan last week offers us a glimmer of hope and a path out of this pandemic, but we know that ongoing physical and mental health impacts for patients, staff and the public will be immense, and we must continue to work together, to be prepared and to be able to support our workforce to carry on supporting our patients as we navigate our way forward out of this pandemic. So, thank you, Jayne, once again, for bringing the attention of the Senedd to this really important subject.