Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 3 November 2021.
I thank Huw Irranca-Davies for that very important question. I think we all know what a difficult time this is for health and social care, and how damaging it is for people to stay in hospital longer than is necessary. So, we are continuing to work very closely with health and social care partners to support effective discharge processes and we have provided significant additional funding. The integrated care fund and the transformation fund have assisted regional partnership boards with developing new integrated ways of working. In Cwm Taf Morgannwg, for example, the 'stay well at home' project has continued to develop, which prevents unnecessary hospital admissions and ensures that there's timely discharge for those people who require admission. The ICF also funds health and social care discharge co-ordinators in Cwm Taf Morgannwg, who also help with timely discharges. In addition, the Member mentioned Care and Repair Cymru; we provided over £0.5 million in 2021-22 to Care and Repair Cymru to deliver the 'hospital to a healthier home' service, which facilitates safer and quicker discharges for vulnerable older patients. And within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region, the service is delivered in the Princess of Wales, Royal Glamorgan and Prince Charles hospitals. So, I agree with the Member that it's absolutely essential we work closely with the local authorities and with the health board at this very difficult time for the services to provide maximum integration.