3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:03 pm on 5 October 2021.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 3:03, 5 October 2021

(Translated)

Well, thank you very much to the Member and I'm very sorry to hear about your personal experience in Cwm Taf and, certainly, you're one of many who has suffered over this very difficult period when things were in a very poor condition. I think that this statement answers, and the report answers, that question that you asked, 'Why did so many die?', and there are answers here in terms of why some did die; that built on the work that was already done by the royal college.

I think that it is very important that we are clear that this story isn't over, either; that there is more to go; there is more that needs to be done. And of course, there is another report to come, the neonatal report, and I'm afraid that that is also going to be very challenging reading.

I can confirm that we are going to be keeping an eye on ensuring that we do act on these recommendations, that we ensure that the board pushes on, and that the team that is currently in place ensures that they keep at it. I think that the point in terms of accountability is important, and one of the things that I am eager to see is to see that change of culture in the health board. They need to be much more open in terms of what is going on. One of the problems was that so much had been hidden for so long, so it is important that people aren't afraid to speak out, that they can come forward, so that we can improve the situation sooner and that we don't see so many of these tragedies.