Children Born with Heart Problems

2. Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd on 16 November 2022.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour

(Translated)

9. How is the Welsh Government working to protect children born with serious heart problems? OQ58694

Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 3:05, 16 November 2022

All children are protected by a combination of screening and immunisations, as well as examinations at birth and six weeks, to promote early detection of abnormalities. For children with serious heart problems, the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee commissions a comprehensive range of services.

Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 3:06, 16 November 2022

Thank you for that important answer, Minister. I'm sure you'll be aware of the amazing work done by the Test for Tommy campaign, and they are looking to provide life-saving pulse oximetry machines in maternity wards across the United Kingdom. Minister, I understand that I've just brought this to your attention and I'm asking for your consideration to support the campaign. If you are not able to do that today, would you come back to the Chamber to see if you could make sure the Test for Tommy campaign could be installed and implemented throughout Wales? 

Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour

Thank you very much. I'm very willing to have a look at what the opportunities are and the benefits of doing that. As I say, I met with the Royal College of Midwives today, and the one thing I'm that I'm very aware of is, if you get it wrong in maternity, the costs are absolutely astronomical. So, it's an investment for us to make sure that we don't get it wrong, because, if we get it wrong, it can lead to a lifetime of treatment for those children. So, early intervention—. This is about serious prevention and a situation where we could actually save ourselves a huge amount of money. I'll look specifically into Test for Tommy, and get back to you. 

Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 3:07, 16 November 2022

(Translated)

Finally, question 10. Vikki Howells.