7. What is the Welsh Government doing to encourage the recruitment of healthcare staff across the Hywel Dda University Health Board region? OQ57290

Thank you very much. The Welsh Government is working with NHS Wales organisations to increase the healthcare workforce in Hywel Dda, and in other parts of Wales. This includes measures to boost recruitment, to support retention to keep people working in the NHS, and to encourage professionals to return to their careers and return to practice.

Diolch, Weinidog. You'll be aware that Wales's second largest GP surgery is Argyle Medical Group, which is located in Pembroke Dock within my constituency of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. According to the latest data, over 22,000 patients fall under Argyle's care, making it one of five practices in Wales with over 20,000 registered patients; yet, the group has only nine registered GPs working from the centre. This is compared to 17 GPs at the Sketty and Killay Medical Centres in Swansea, which have a similar patient count. This means that the patient to GP ratio at the Argyle Street practice is a dangerous 2,506 patients per GP. Let's be clear, the Argyle Medical Group staff are working hard to deliver the best quality service they can. However, and as the stats show, their hands are tied by increasing recruitment pressures. Given this situation, can the Minister outline what steps she is taking to support Argyle Medical Group in the recruitment of further staff, including GPs, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physiotherapists, to ensure that all staff members are supported in delivering the best care for their patients? Diolch.

Thanks very much, Sam. It's important to recognise that there have always been difficulties to recruit to some of our more remote areas. That's why we've had a very significant campaign, the 'Train. Work. Live.' campaign, which has been significant and we've managed to recruit significant numbers to west Wales because of that campaign—30 in 2020 and 26 in 2021. So, we also have Health Education and Improvement Wales, which have published their 10-year workforce strategy, but I think it's important that all GP practices look not just at the recruitment of GPs, but also other models of practice. There are different practices that are calling on other professionals who are able to provide some very, very high-level and quality clinical support not necessarily from GPs. But we are aware that there is always a need to increase the number of GPs in Wales. You'll be aware that, over the next five years, we have committed to training 12,000 additional doctors, nurses and health professionals in Wales.

Finally, question 8, Adam Price.