6. Will the Minister make a statement on access to GPs in Holyhead? OQ56912

GPs are facing great pressures in dealing with the pandemic, and dealing at the same time with high demand because of illnesses not associated with COVID. Access to GPs in Holyhead has been challenging over recent months, but the Betsi Cadwaladr health board is focusing strongly on improving the situation. 

Yes, the picture is worrying across Wales, and has been throughout the pandemic, but in Holyhead there's been a significant problem after two surgeries had to be placed in the hands of the health board in 2019, and that, I'm afraid, was because of failures in ensuring a sustainable workforce over a period of many years. I think the success of Plaid Cymru in helping to establish a medical college in north Wales will truly be of assistance in the longer term, but we need to secure resources now in order to attract GPs to Holyhead.

We need a primary multidisciplinary care centre for Holyhead and the area. The patients need it, the staff working there now deserve it. So, may I ask the Minister to give a clear commitment to ensuring that such a centre is delivered as a matter of urgency?

Thank you. You'll be aware that there have been problems in Hwb Iechyd Cybi which, of course, is being led by Betsi Cadwaladr health board and the NHS directly. I'm pleased to say that three GPs have now been appointed—one who has already started, and another starting in October, and another starting in January. So, I do hope that that will improve the situation, as well as three urgent care practitioners who are starting in October. So, it has taken some time to get those people in place, but I am hopeful that you will see a great change because of the ability to recruit those people into those positions.