4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: The Health and Social Care Winter Protection Plan 2021-22

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:56 pm on 19 October 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 3:56, 19 October 2021

Thank you, Minister, for your statement today. I welcome your comments about ensuring people are signposted to the appropriate source of medical support and advice, and community pharmacies obviously have a key role to play, as you acknowledge. But how can we make sure that people know they are there and that people have a good knowledge of the common ailments scheme and how it can be used? In addition, extra pressure in my constituency could be caused by the temporary closure of the minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, and while I appreciate the comments from Cwm Taf Morgannwg that this is being done to make the service sustainable while staff are being upskilled to run the unit, how is the Welsh Government working with the health board to make sure a consistent provision will be in place as soon as possible?

And finally, I'm starting to pick up a larger volume of casework from people affected by delayed transfers of care, and that's despite the excellent work that's already been carried out by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, and I know Welsh Ministers have supported innovative responses, for example the Stay Well@Home scheme funded by the intermediate care fund. I note your comments that further details will be released this week, but how will you work with colleagues and other stakeholders to take that holistic approach to ensure, for example, that homes are fit for people to be discharged to?