4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID-19

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:54 pm on 11 January 2022.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 4:54, 11 January 2022

(Translated)

Thank you very much, Llywydd, and happy new year. You will be aware of the evidence that my colleague Liz Saville Roberts, the Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd in Westminster, has put forward, and the evidence put forward by my colleague here, Rhys ab Owen, of their experiences in talking about their loved ones with dementia and living in care homes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Everyone understands fully the need to control the infection and to safeguard public health. As you mentioned in response to Gareth Davies, it's a matter of striking a balance, but I'm afraid in this case the balance is incorrect. Groups of people who have particular needs have different rules when it comes to visits. If you consider mothers and newborns, for example, it's possible for them to ensure that partners are part of the birthing process. There is room to argue therefore that we should have the same kind of exceptions for patients with dementia, for example. These people are being excluded from the love of their loved ones, and that's contrary to some of their greatest needs. So, will you look again at the guidelines and ensure that the loved ones of patients of this kind have access to homes, so that they can spend vital time in the company of their loved ones?