Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 4:45 pm on 20 October 2021.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 4:45, 20 October 2021

Thank you very much, Natasha. I'm very well aware of the issues around A&E, and I'm keeping a very close eye on the pressures in the system around A&E. That's why we have already made a significant addition in terms of recruitment to the Welsh ambulance service, which was significant not just last year—over 100 last year—but significantly more this year and more to come. Of course, you will be aware that we are also now getting the support of the army to help us out in this situation.

So, a lot of work is being put in place. But, as you say, the key issue here, and the key restriction, is staffing. That's why, as you have reported, we will be keeping an eye on what that staffing looks like. I know that there's a short-term strategy in terms of using the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the European gateway route to really try and do some immediate stuff in recruitment. So, there's a short-term approach that they're hoping to get into place very, very quickly; I know that there are 12 staff that they're trying to recruit via the European gateway route imminently. So, things are moving very quickly in this space, and I'm very pleased to see that, because, clearly, this report needs a response.