Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 2:32 pm on 7 July 2021.
Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your comments so far. May I add my support to the learned Member for South Wales Central in regard to care home visits as well? It's certainly a frustrating experience for many individuals at the moment. Minister, during the pandemic, we have seen the importance and the incredible work of many care workers, who have gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional service of support to some of the most vulnerable, particularly those on the front line in care homes, and carrying out domiciliary care support as well. I think the pandemic has highlighted the value and importance of our social care workers, but also the opportunities to enhance careers in the sector, by upskilling these workers, who could perhaps in turn relieve some of the pressures that are on our health service. As part of your review and reform of plans for the social care sector, I'd ask what views you have in regard to the remit of those front-line social care workers. What support would you provide to see them upskilled and to see this important workforce enhanced? Diolch yn fawr iawn.