Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:11 pm on 31 January 2023.
Thank you. It's lovely to see Lucy and Elliot up in the public gallery. I do hope Elliot is getting the care he needs and that we do see progress of development of treatments in this area. Health and Care Research Wales have appointed a Health and Care Research Wales speciality lead for neurology and neurodegenerative diseases, and that's to enable studies to be opened across a range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Participating in research trials can provide access to care and treatment that may not be available otherwise, so I can absolutely understand why Lucy wants Elliot to be able to contribute to and take part in clinical trials. If these research trials aren't available in Wales, Health and Care Research Wales can facilitate patient access to trials in other parts of the UK. What I think would be beneficial would be for Lucy to meet with Health and Care Research Wales to discuss those issues and her concerns.