In optometry, we are already expanding clinically focused provision in primary care. That's being done by moving the delivery of some eye-care services from hospitals to the community, where there is a skilled workforce with the capacity to meet increasing demand. Before some aspects of the reform can come into force, some changes will need to be made to regulations, and, of course, we will be consulting on those proposals. In the meantime, the roll-out of services, utilising optometrists with higher qualifications, such as independent prescribing, glaucoma and medical retina, is under way, using existing legislative directions. We recognise that these service pathways will have the greatest impact in terms of supporting specialist hospital eye-care services.

We are also making good progress in terms of providing direct access for patients to audiology pathways without referral by a GP or another health or social care professional. To facilitate this change, we are engaging more with the third sector and community heath councils, establishing capacity in audiology services via robust workforce planning.

Access to allied health professionals in primary care is also a priority, and this continues to be progressed through the strategic programme for primary care. In January, I announced an additional £5 million to increase the number of allied health professionals and to improve access to community-based rehabilitation to help people remain active and independent.

The commitment in the programme for government to invest in a new generation of integrated health and social care hubs will play an important role in helping to build community capacity. Through our new capital investment fund, we are beginning to see proposals come to fruition, including the newly completed Rhiwbina well-being hub, which will provide people with easy and seamless access to a wider range of health, care and well-being services closer to their homes.

There has been further investment for community nursing, namely just under £3 million since 2021. This is to take forward the learning from the neighbourhood district nursing pilot schemes. Supporting this, the electronic scheduling system enables district nursing teams to ensure that their service can provide patients with access to the right nurse with the right skills every visit. 

Across all of these services, ensuring equity of access is vital. This Government recognises the need for a specific focus on access to services by vulnerable groups, including those who are classified as frail.

We have recently commissioned a piece of independent research to gain insight from the public in Wales around accessing primary care services and what good access means to them. The views of the public are extremely important as we work to progress policy that supports their primary care needs. 

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my thanks to the professionals working in primary care. Without their dedication and flexibility, the services that I have highlighted could not be delivered and transformed for the well-being of people across Wales. Thank you.