5. What is the Welsh Government's strategy to further develop medical specialist services across Wales? OQ59055

Welsh Government has set out its expectations in a series of quality statements that describe what good clinical services look like. We're also investing in the NHS workforce in Wales by increasing training places for many healthcare professionals.

Thank you for that answer, Minister. Two weeks ago, I met with one of my younger constituents, Elliot, and his mum, Lucy. They are both here in the Senedd today in the public gallery watching proceedings. Elliot is five years old and suffers from a rare condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder characterised by the progressive loss of muscle. As part of his treatment, Minister, Lucy is very keen that Elliot has the opportunity to access clinical trials. At present, there is no capacity in Wales to run such clinical trials. There is no neuromuscular specialist in south Wales. Trials are taking place in the north of England, but it is often children in that part of the country that benefit, due to the logistics of travel and treatment and other factors. Minister, Lucy is working hard to help raise awareness of this condition and the need for more research and better treatment. So, how might Welsh Government work with Lucy to help Elliot, and, indeed, to support other families and young people in Wales with this condition?

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. 

Question 6 [OQ59058] is withdrawn. Question 7—Sarah Murphy.