Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 4:36 pm on 20 October 2021.
A flagship hospital, Minister, is of course supposed to be leading by example, and we know that the question today is about the Grange hospital, which has the worst A&E waiting times of any hospital in Wales. Now, the report in question today talks about the unhealthy workplace and talks about staff frightened to go to work. Understaffed departments, staff burnout and low capacity all of course add significant risk to patient safety. Doctors have told the Government of course the concerns that they have for patient safety regarding the Grange hospital being open four months early, as it would mean that the hospital would be understaffed. So, concerns have been expressed about capacity being too low for the demand that needs to be met across south-east Wales. Now, I'm conscious that the previous health Minister said that it would be a great pleasure to announce that the Grange will open ahead of schedule, saying that it would provide more capacity and resilience. So, my question, Minister, is: what's your assessment? Is the Grange providing that resilience? I suppose, ultimately, in regard to the report today, can you tell the Chamber what lessons in particular you've learnt as a result of the report's findings?