Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:57 pm on 23 February 2021.
Yes, I'm happy to indicate that, of course, during the pandemic we've had significant challenges in our nurse numbers, but we've maintained our adherence to the duties. The expansion out, as I've indicated, comes on the back of having a recognised workforce planning tool, and we recognise that in this area and others, we need to continue to train and recruit and retain significant numbers of nurses. I'm proud of the fact that in all of my time as the health Minister, and indeed for some time before, we've increased nurse training on a consistent and persistent basis that puts us in a better position to introduce this duty, but we know we'll need to revise again before the end of this term, and whoever is the Government in the future, to maintain a commitment to continuing to invest in the future education and training of our nursing and wider healthcare workforce. That's why I'm proud to have introduced Health Education and Improvement Wales, amongst other things as well. So, I recognise the points the Member makes, but I hope that we are able to pass these regulations today and I will take some credit for the improved outcomes that we believe these regulations will provide in paediatric in-patient wards.