Siambr · Janet Finch-Saunders
Written questions
116 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 2 of 3.
WQ100152 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on how they are raising awareness of adult autism?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The Welsh Government is committed to improving understanding of autism and raising awareness of the experiences and needs of autistic adults across Wales.
Support for autistic adults is delivered through the Integrated Autism Service (IAS), which provides information, advice and support to autistic adults, their families and carers. The IAS also plays an important role in improving awareness and understanding of autism amongst professionals, communities and public services. Across North Wales, including Bangor, Conwy and Ynys Môn, the service delivers Understanding Autism courses, training sessions, drop-in opportunities and advice for autistic adults, families, carers and professionals, helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of autism.
Through the ongoing implementation of the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services, public bodies are expected to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism, alongside improving access to information, advice and support. Evaluation of the Code highlighted the IAS’s role in increasing understanding of autism amongst professionals, autistic people, families and communities and supporting earlier recognition of needs.
We continue to support awareness raising through the Neurodivergence Improvement Programme, which is driving improvements in services across Wales. This includes work to strengthen workforce knowledge and skills, improve access to information and promote neuro-inclusive approaches across health, social care and wider public services.
The National Neurodivergence Team works with partners across Wales to develop and share resources, training materials and public information designed to improve understanding of autism and wider neurodivergence. This includes the Autism Understanding and Accepting Scheme, online information sessions and the development of additional learning resources, including a ‘What is Neurodivergence?’ e-learning package.
Welsh Government has also recently established a national Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) Network, bringing together practitioners from across Wales to share learning, good practice and resources. The network will help strengthen the availability and quality of information and advice for everyone, including neurodivergent people and their families.
Looking ahead, we are developing a new all-age Neurodivergence Code of Practice, which will promote a more consistent, needs-led and person-centred approach across Wales and reinforce the importance of accessible information, early support and neuro-inclusive practice throughout adulthood as well as childhood.
WQ100151 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on what funding they are providing North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to train their fire fighters?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
This is a matter for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS). Like all Fire and Rescue Services in Wales, it funds its core activities by levying contributions from its constituent local authorities; it does not receive direct Welsh Government funding.
I am aware of NWFRS’s aspiration to build a new training centre at St Asaph, and I and my officials will have further discussions with NWFRS about that in due course.
WQ100032 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the average waiting time for cardiology treatments and assessments?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Information on RTT statistics is published on StatsWales and is available in the attached links:
https://stats.gov.wales/en-GB/6bd7d5c9-844e-4e7c-85ba-7256e39f7214/start
NHS waiting lists: referral to treatment performance measures, median and 90th centile waiting time…
WQ100011 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with the Prime Minister regarding his model of social care that he is looking to adopt in England, and will this be applicable in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Substantive response
WQ100031 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on what tax relief for which the Welsh Government is responsible is available for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
The Welsh Governments Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), provides significant support to low-income households across Wales, including those affected by terminal illness. More than 257,000 households currently receive support through the scheme.
In addition, local authorities have discretionary powers to reduce council tax liability where they consider it appropriate. These powers can be used to introduce locally determined discounts or exemptions, including for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
WQ99712 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm how many people have received the HPV vaccine in schools since 2008?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme is an important part of our efforts to prevent disease and improve long-term health outcomes for young people in Wales.
Information provided by Public Health Wales indicates that between 1 January 2008 and 13 August 2026, 321,853 individuals in Wales received at least one HPV vaccination administered in a school or examination centre setting.
WQ99991 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister commit to engaging with and taking account of the views of medical professional bodies before introducing any significant policy changes that could affect the operation of health services?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government recognises the important contribution that medical professional bodies make to the development of health policy. Policy decisions are informed by a range of evidence and stakeholder perspectives, and where significant changes to health services are being considered, it is standard practice to engage with relevant stakeholders, including medical professional bodies where appropriate. The views expressed through such engagement form an important part of the information considered alongside other evidence.
WQ99990 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister consider introducing stronger whole-system measures so that all parts of the patient pathway are held accountable for reducing corridor care?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is clear that patients should be cared for in appropriate clinical environments, with privacy, dignity and safety maintained. Corridor care is not an acceptable or routine model of care.
There is no single national timescale for eliminating corridor care because it reflects pressures across the whole health and care system, including primary care access, patient flow, discharge delays, and capacity in acute, community and social care services.
However, I expect NHS organisations to take all reasonable steps to prevent corridor care, minimise the time patients spend in inappropriate environments, and reduce associated risks where pressures arise.
Health boards are expected to prioritise actions that safely prevent avoidable emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, improve acute hospital flow, deliver timely discharge without delay, strengthen step-down and community provision, and work with local authority and social care partners to release capacity and maintain safe care.
The Integrated Community Care System blueprint provides the national framework for shifting care safely closer to home, coordinated and delivered through Regional Partnership Boards.
The £30 million Pathways of Care transformation grant to local authorities is supporting this by expanding community and intermediate care, strengthening prevention and early intervention, reducing avoidable admissions, and helping people leave hospital safely when they are ready.
I expect all regions to demonstrate measurable progress through delivery of their improvement plans. NHS Performance and Improvement and the National Office of Care and Support are supporting and challenging organisations on patient flow and discharge productivity, with a focus on the most pressured parts of the system.
I have also commissioned a national NHS Wales Corridor Care Action Group to develop a consistent all-Wales approach to defining, measuring and reporting corridor care. This will improve transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure the impact on patients, families and staff is better understood.
The Group has been asked to develop recommendations at pace to support NHS Wales during the forthcoming winter period and to inform future performance, quality and experience reporting within emergency and acute care services.
In the interim, I expect health boards to use operational data and oversight systems, including information on the prevalence of corridor care, to support safe decisions on the use of acute and community capacity.
I will continue to hold NHS leaders to account for demonstrable progress across the full urgent and emergency care pathway, ensuring that reducing risk, improving flow and preventing corridor care remain clear system priorities.
WQ99989 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve hospital flow and reduce delayed discharge and exit block, in order to address the root causes of corridor care across NHS Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is clear that patients should be cared for in appropriate clinical environments, with privacy, dignity and safety maintained. Corridor care is not an acceptable or routine model of care.
There is no single national timescale for eliminating corridor care because it reflects pressures across the whole health and care system, including primary care access, patient flow, discharge delays, and capacity in acute, community and social care services.
However, I expect NHS organisations to take all reasonable steps to prevent corridor care, minimise the time patients spend in inappropriate environments, and reduce associated risks where pressures arise.
Health boards are expected to prioritise actions that safely prevent avoidable emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, improve acute hospital flow, deliver timely discharge without delay, strengthen step-down and community provision, and work with local authority and social care partners to release capacity and maintain safe care.
The Integrated Community Care System blueprint provides the national framework for shifting care safely closer to home, coordinated and delivered through Regional Partnership Boards.
The £30 million Pathways of Care transformation grant to local authorities is supporting this by expanding community and intermediate care, strengthening prevention and early intervention, reducing avoidable admissions, and helping people leave hospital safely when they are ready.
I expect all regions to demonstrate measurable progress through delivery of their improvement plans. NHS Performance and Improvement and the National Office of Care and Support are supporting and challenging organisations on patient flow and discharge productivity, with a focus on the most pressured parts of the system.
I have also commissioned a national NHS Wales Corridor Care Action Group to develop a consistent all-Wales approach to defining, measuring and reporting corridor care. This will improve transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure the impact on patients, families and staff is better understood.
The Group has been asked to develop recommendations at pace to support NHS Wales during the forthcoming winter period and to inform future performance, quality and experience reporting within emergency and acute care services.
In the interim, I expect health boards to use operational data and oversight systems, including information on the prevalence of corridor care, to support safe decisions on the use of acute and community capacity.
I will continue to hold NHS leaders to account for demonstrable progress across the full urgent and emergency care pathway, ensuring that reducing risk, improving flow and preventing corridor care remain clear system priorities.
WQ99988 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline whether NHS leaders will be instructed to prioritise the eradication of corridor care, and what action does the Welsh Government expect health boards to take to achieve this?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is clear that patients should be cared for in appropriate clinical environments, with privacy, dignity and safety maintained. Corridor care is not an acceptable or routine model of care.
There is no single national timescale for eliminating corridor care because it reflects pressures across the whole health and care system, including primary care access, patient flow, discharge delays, and capacity in acute, community and social care services.
However, I expect NHS organisations to take all reasonable steps to prevent corridor care, minimise the time patients spend in inappropriate environments, and reduce associated risks where pressures arise.
Health boards are expected to prioritise actions that safely prevent avoidable emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, improve acute hospital flow, deliver timely discharge without delay, strengthen step-down and community provision, and work with local authority and social care partners to release capacity and maintain safe care.
The Integrated Community Care System blueprint provides the national framework for shifting care safely closer to home, coordinated and delivered through Regional Partnership Boards.
The £30 million Pathways of Care transformation grant to local authorities is supporting this by expanding community and intermediate care, strengthening prevention and early intervention, reducing avoidable admissions, and helping people leave hospital safely when they are ready.
I expect all regions to demonstrate measurable progress through delivery of their improvement plans. NHS Performance and Improvement and the National Office of Care and Support are supporting and challenging organisations on patient flow and discharge productivity, with a focus on the most pressured parts of the system.
I have also commissioned a national NHS Wales Corridor Care Action Group to develop a consistent all-Wales approach to defining, measuring and reporting corridor care. This will improve transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure the impact on patients, families and staff is better understood.
The Group has been asked to develop recommendations at pace to support NHS Wales during the forthcoming winter period and to inform future performance, quality and experience reporting within emergency and acute care services.
In the interim, I expect health boards to use operational data and oversight systems, including information on the prevalence of corridor care, to support safe decisions on the use of acute and community capacity.
I will continue to hold NHS leaders to account for demonstrable progress across the full urgent and emergency care pathway, ensuring that reducing risk, improving flow and preventing corridor care remain clear system priorities.
WQ99987 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to eliminate the use of corridor care within NHS Wales and will the Cabinet Minister provide a timescale for achieving this?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is clear that patients should be cared for in appropriate clinical environments, with privacy, dignity and safety maintained. Corridor care is not an acceptable or routine model of care.
There is no single national timescale for eliminating corridor care because it reflects pressures across the whole health and care system, including primary care access, patient flow, discharge delays, and capacity in acute, community and social care services.
However, I expect NHS organisations to take all reasonable steps to prevent corridor care, minimise the time patients spend in inappropriate environments, and reduce associated risks where pressures arise.
Health boards are expected to prioritise actions that safely prevent avoidable emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, improve acute hospital flow, deliver timely discharge without delay, strengthen step-down and community provision, and work with local authority and social care partners to release capacity and maintain safe care.
The Integrated Community Care System blueprint provides the national framework for shifting care safely closer to home, coordinated and delivered through Regional Partnership Boards.
The £30 million Pathways of Care transformation grant to local authorities is supporting this by expanding community and intermediate care, strengthening prevention and early intervention, reducing avoidable admissions, and helping people leave hospital safely when they are ready.
I expect all regions to demonstrate measurable progress through delivery of their improvement plans. NHS Performance and Improvement and the National Office of Care and Support are supporting and challenging organisations on patient flow and discharge productivity, with a focus on the most pressured parts of the system.
I have also commissioned a national NHS Wales Corridor Care Action Group to develop a consistent all-Wales approach to defining, measuring and reporting corridor care. This will improve transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure the impact on patients, families and staff is better understood.
The Group has been asked to develop recommendations at pace to support NHS Wales during the forthcoming winter period and to inform future performance, quality and experience reporting within emergency and acute care services.
In the interim, I expect health boards to use operational data and oversight systems, including information on the prevalence of corridor care, to support safe decisions on the use of acute and community capacity.
I will continue to hold NHS leaders to account for demonstrable progress across the full urgent and emergency care pathway, ensuring that reducing risk, improving flow and preventing corridor care remain clear system priorities.
WQ99881 · Tabled · Answered
How many cases of MRSA have been present in Ysbyty Maelor, Ysbyty Gwynedd, and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in the last 12 months?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government does not routinely collect data on cases of MRSA. The HARP programme carries out surveillance work on our behalf, further information and data can be found at Bacteraemia monthly dashboard - Public Health Wales.
WQ99880 · Tabled · Answered
How many cases of norovirus have been present in Ysbyty Maelor, Ysbyty Gwynedd, and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in the last 12 month?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government does not routinely collect data on cases of norovirus. The HARP programme, led by Public Health Wales, carries out surveillance of infection rates on our behalf.
WQ99879 · Tabled · Answered
How many consultants have not adhered to their contracted working hours in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in the last 12 months?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Welsh Government does not hold this level of detailed information, you would need to contact the Health Board as the employer. Welsh Government would expect that all NHS staff adhere to their contractual arrangements as agreed with their employer.
WQ99878 · Tabled · Answered
How many members of staff in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have been accused of theft in the last 12 months?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government does not hold this information. The Member may wish to contact the health board directly regarding the availability of these data.
WQ99877 · Tabled · Answered
How many clerical and administrative staff have been absent from work over the last 12 months in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Information on NHS sickness absence is published on StatsWales.
Sickness absence is routinely reported as a sickness absence rate, rather than the number of individuals absent from work. This is because a count of staff who have had any sickness absence during a period does not reflect the duration of absence and can therefore give a misleading picture of overall sickness levels.
Data are not published specifically for ‘administrative and clerical staff’. However, the closest published staff group is ‘administrative, estates and general payments staff’. The latest published data available are for the 2025 calendar year. For the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board the sickness absence rate for this staff group in 2025 was 5.3%.
WQ99714 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to raise awareness of the importance of attending screenings for breast cancer?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Public Health Wales is committed to increasing screening awareness and uptake through its Screening Equity Strategy, which aims to ensure equitable access and informed choice for all eligible individuals. It seeks to reduce inequalities in participation through accessible communications, community engagement, service improvement, workforce development, and data-driven action.
Cervical Screening Wales focuses on preventing and detecting cervical cancer and does not screen for other gynaecological cancers.
The programme promotes cervical screening through national and local communications campaigns, including targeted activity with major employers such as Cardiff Council and North Wales Police. It is also testing innovative approaches to improve participation, including behavioural insight-informed invitations for first-time invitees and the use of "Miss You" reminder cards for those overdue for screening. Plans for HPV self-sampling are also being developed. This additional screening option has the potential to improve access and reduce inequalities, particularly for people who face barriers to attending traditional appointments.
To raise awareness and support participation in breast screening, Breast Test Wales is co-producing accessible information with participants and communities. It also provides a breast screening ‘What to Expect’ video to explain the process, reduce anxiety and support informed decision-making. Public Health Wales has also delivered a recent social media campaign aimed at first-time invitees.
Screening programmes monitor uptake data to identify communities and areas with lower participation and target local engagement accordingly. They work with community partners and local health board teams to build trust, tackle misinformation and raise awareness of the benefits of screening and early detection. They also develop tailored resources and engagement approaches for groups with lower uptake.
WQ99713 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to raise awareness of the importance of attending screenings for gynaecological cancers?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Public Health Wales is committed to increasing screening awareness and uptake through its Screening Equity Strategy, which aims to ensure equitable access and informed choice for all eligible individuals. It seeks to reduce inequalities in participation through accessible communications, community engagement, service improvement, workforce development, and data-driven action.
Cervical Screening Wales focuses on preventing and detecting cervical cancer and does not screen for other gynaecological cancers.
The programme promotes cervical screening through national and local communications campaigns, including targeted activity with major employers such as Cardiff Council and North Wales Police. It is also testing innovative approaches to improve participation, including behavioural insight-informed invitations for first-time invitees and the use of "Miss You" reminder cards for those overdue for screening. Plans for HPV self-sampling are also being developed. This additional screening option has the potential to improve access and reduce inequalities, particularly for people who face barriers to attending traditional appointments.
To raise awareness and support participation in breast screening, Breast Test Wales is co-producing accessible information with participants and communities. It also provides a breast screening ‘What to Expect’ video to explain the process, reduce anxiety and support informed decision-making. Public Health Wales has also delivered a recent social media campaign aimed at first-time invitees.
Screening programmes monitor uptake data to identify communities and areas with lower participation and target local engagement accordingly. They work with community partners and local health board teams to build trust, tackle misinformation and raise awareness of the benefits of screening and early detection. They also develop tailored resources and engagement approaches for groups with lower uptake.
WQ99710 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to raise awareness of endometriosis?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Endometriosis is one of the eight priority areas in the Women’s Health Plan and will be a priority area of focus this year.
There are a number of ways in which we are raising awareness of endometriosis both with the public and clinicians.
We are taking forward a programme of work focused on improving the pathway across primary, secondary and tertiary services, with work underway to develop a service specification for the tertiary pathway.
The programme includes work to improve workforce skills to encourage earlier recognition of symptoms and improving access to assessment and treatment to reduce diagnostic delays across Wales. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) have developed Introductory and Fundamentals endometriosis training modules which are available to all staff (and externally) via Y Ty Dysgu. Further modules will be developed during 2026/27. Completion of the modules will be monitored, and consideration will be given to what, if any, additional actions are needed to increase uptake.
Welsh Government funding also supports the Endometriosis Cymru website, which is available to people across Wales and provides information, resources and tools to support symptom management and discussions with healthcare professionals. Awareness raising of this resource will continue as our work in this area progresses.
WQ99708 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on how many gynaecological specialists operate in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
NHS Wales workforce statistics are published on StatsWales using recognised medical specialities. Obstetrics and gynaecology is recorded and published as a combined medical speciality, therefore separate figures for gynaecology are not available.
The latest published data show that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board employed 61.4 full-time equivalent medical staff in the obstetrics and gynaecology specialty, including 31.0 consultants.
WQ99592 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on when yearly eye tests for diabetic patients will be available in Llanrwst?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Everyone aged 12 or over, diagnosed with diabetes and registered with a GP in Wales is invited for screening through the Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (DESW) service in accordance with UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommendations. Following a UK NSC recommendation, people with diabetes who have had two negative (no retinopathy detected) screening results can be safely invited on a two-yearly basis. Therefore, people living with diabetes in the Llanrwst area may be invited on either a yearly or two-yearly basis dependent on their previous eye screening results.
DESW delivers eye screening from a wide range of community venues including Public Health Wales screening centres, health board-provided community health centres or hospital sites and community centres. The location of screening venues is planned to ensure that participants are invited to attend a venue close to their home with the aim of offering a screening appointment within a 30-minute travel time. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, DESW was able to screen from a health centre within Llanrwst. Unfortunately, following the re-opening after the pandemic, like many other venues across Wales, DESW has not been able to access this specific venue. Alternative venues have been identified for participants who live in Llanrwst area, with participants mapped to the closest venues with screening appointments available. This allows DESW to operationally plan eye screening to ensure equitable access across all areas in Wales.
Diabetic patients are also entitled to access NHS funded Wales General Ophthalmic Service examinations, available in community optometry practices. The frequency of these examinations is a clinical matter determined on individual need.
WQ99497 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to address the fact that 17 per cent of elderly people have either experienced or witnessed corridor care as highlighted by Age Cymru's report: What matters to you? Headlines report June 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The Welsh Government is clear that care should be delivered in appropriate clinical environments that protect patients' dignity, safety and wellbeing. I am concerned by the findings highlighted in Age Cymru's What matters to you? report and recognise the impact that long waits for admission to hospital or discharge home, and corridor care can have on older people, their families and healthcare staff.
Addressing corridor care requires action across the entire health and care system. That is why we are investing in measures that support older people to avoid unnecessary hospital attendance, improve access to urgent community services and ensure that patients can move through hospitals safely and efficiently. All health boards have improvement plans and additional funding has been provided to support their delivery, in addition to extra funding for local authorities to support improved flow.
This is a key and ongoing area of focus for this Government, NHS Wales and partners as we work towards ensuring that all patients receive timely, safe and dignified care.
WQ99498 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to address long ambulance waiting times for falls?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I understand long ambulance waits can have an impact on patients and their families, particularly where frailty or injury is involved. We are focused on improving the whole pathway—from prevention, primary care, ambulance response and handover, through hospital flow, to safe discharge, so that people receive the right care at the right time.
We expect all health boards and system partners to fully implement the National Community-Based Falls Response Framework, ensuring people who have fallen receive a timely, appropriate response closer to home and reducing unnecessary ambulance conveyance and hospital attendance.
This work is supported through investment in falls response services, including a dedicated Falls Desk and wider community-based initiatives, to improve patient outcomes and make better use of ambulance capacity.
We recognise that more needs to be done to ensure people who have fallen receive timely support and are not left waiting for assistance for prolonged periods, and we are committed to supporting further improvement.
WQ99496 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister working with Age Cymru and the Older People's Commissioner to raise awareness of scams affecting older people?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I am working with the Older People’s Commissioner, to raise awareness of scams affecting older people via delivery of the National Plan to Prevent Abuse of Older People. In addition, by funding Age Cymru to host three national older people’s organisations, Welsh Government is able to disseminate information via campaigns, trusted advice networks and community engagement, helping older people recognise risks, stay safe online and access support when needed.
WQ99495 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister working with Older People's Commissioner to raise awareness of rogue builders?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I work closely with partners, including North Wales Police and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, to raise awareness of fraud and exploitation, promote awareness, share practical advice and encourage reporting.
WQ99494 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister working with North Wales Police to raise awareness of rogue builders?
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality
I work closely with partners, including North Wales Police and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, to raise awareness of fraud and exploitation, promote awareness, share practical advice and encourage reporting.
WQ99342 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm a timeframe for exceptions to the 182-day letting vacancy threshold policy coming into place for businesses that would not qualify as a private home?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Finance
Our manifesto included a commitment to keep the 182-day letting threshold under review and create clear and reasonable new exemptions where self-catering accommodation would not qualify as a private home. I will set out further details on our proposals in due course.
WQ99253 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm the specific hot weather-related issues that led to the cancellation of Transport for Wales train services on 23 June 2026?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
Transport for Wales put in place proactive measures to maintain the safe and reliable operation of their services during the extreme weather event. This minimised disruption to passengers as far as reasonably possible. This issue is not unique to Wales. Similar disruption and measures to reduce the impact from the extreme weather took place across the UK and in Europe. With changes to our climate we need to prepare for further disruption to our transport infrastructure.
WQ99183 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to conduct a full review of the working practices of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in light of the findings and recommendations contained in the Competition and Markets Authority's final report?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
The regulation of the veterinary profession is a reserved matter and, as such, a review of the working practices of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons does not fall within the remit of the Welsh Government. Officials continue to engage with Defra in relation to the recommendations set out in the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report.
WQ99201 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to improve access to CAMHS service for young people?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Our 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how we will improve access to mental health support for all ages. This includes transforming our mental health services to provide same-day access and puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
NHS Performance and Improvement have established Open Access Same Day Mental Health Support Front Door pilots across a number of demonstrator sites, including CAMHS. The Quality Statement for Mental Health has been published and sets out the outcomes and standards that define high-quality, person-focused services across health and social care. The Strategy and quality statement set out our expectations for all-age mental health services, including for children and young people
Health boards have also established alternatives to admissions for young people who present in crisis and we continue to learn from these pilots to inform future models of care.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways. This includes awareness of wider self-help with the aim of preventing those with a mental health related need requiring specialist care but also supporting people while they wait for intervention to start.
WQ99200 · Tabled · Answered
How is the Cabinet Minister working with General Practitioners to ensure that children being referred to CAMHS receive immediate care and support?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Our 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how we will improve access to mental health support for all ages. This includes transforming our mental health services to provide same-day access and puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
NHS Performance and Improvement have established Open Access Same Day Mental Health Support Front Door pilots across a number of demonstrator sites, including CAMHS. The Quality Statement for Mental Health has been published and sets out the outcomes and standards that define high-quality, person-focused services across health and social care. The Strategy and quality statement set out our expectations for all-age mental health services, including for children and young people
Health boards have also established alternatives to admissions for young people who present in crisis and we continue to learn from these pilots to inform future models of care.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways. This includes awareness of wider self-help with the aim of preventing those with a mental health related need requiring specialist care but also supporting people while they wait for intervention to start.
WQ99199 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on how many mental health practitioners are practicing in Bangor Conwy Môn?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
The information you requested is not held centrally. This question is a request for recorded information that would be held by the Health Board.
WQ99197 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister clarify what steps they are taking to improve access to mental health services?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health
Our 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how we will improve access to mental health support for all ages. This includes transforming our mental health services to provide same-day access and puts early intervention, prevention and person-centred care at the heart of mental health services, ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support at the right time, without delay.
NHS Performance and Improvement have established Open Access Same Day Mental Health Support Front Door pilots across a number of demonstrator sites, including CAMHS. The Quality Statement for Mental Health has been published and sets out the outcomes and standards that define high-quality, person-focused services across health and social care. The Strategy and quality statement set out our expectations for all-age mental health services, including for children and young people
Health boards have also established alternatives to admissions for young people who present in crisis and we continue to learn from these pilots to inform future models of care.
Where a patient presents with urgent mental health concerns, GP practices ensure that the person is responded to promptly and directed to the most appropriate support, including escalation to a clinician or, where necessary, emergency or crisis services in line with local pathways. This includes awareness of wider self-help with the aim of preventing those with a mental health related need requiring specialist care but also supporting people while they wait for intervention to start.
WQ99107 · Tabled · Answered
How many times has the Cabinet Minister met with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Director General of Health and Social Services to discuss the best way forward regarding the current special measures implemented?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
I have met with the Director General of the Health, Care and Prevention Group and senior officials within the Welsh Government on numerous occasions since being appointed. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been a key issue during many of those meetings.
I met with the Chair and Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board during a visit to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on 27 May, where I set out my expectation that they must take ownership of the long-standing issues within the health board and make the improvements required for the people they serve.
I have since met with the Chair of the health board.
I am due to chair a meeting with the members of the health board’s executive team and Board in July, where I will make clear my expectations in terms of improvements and next steps for the current level 5 intervention.
WQ99082 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to ensure that testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are available across the whole of Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee is responsible for maintaining the genomic test directory in accordance with recommended clinical practice. More information can be found at:
Genomics - NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) provides access to health board clinical teams to genomic testing in line with the test directory. As it is established as a national service, delivering a national test directory, this helps to ensure equity for patients across Wales. More information on the services offered can be found at:
https://medicalgenomicswales.co.uk/index.php/en/
Health boards in Wales are responsible for offering genomic testing in line with recommended clinical practice, in this case the expert guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on familial risk of breast cancer.
Overview | Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer | Guidance | NICE
And in the case of targeted therapies:
Overview | Talazoparib for treating HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for treating BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for adjuvant treatment of BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
AWMGS also works with other organisations in Genomics Partnership Wales and Health Education and Improvement Wales to develop a skilled, engaged and genomically aware workforce across NHS Wales.
WQ99081 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to promote awareness of the BRCA1 gene mutation?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee is responsible for maintaining the genomic test directory in accordance with recommended clinical practice. More information can be found at:
Genomics - NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) provides access to health board clinical teams to genomic testing in line with the test directory. As it is established as a national service, delivering a national test directory, this helps to ensure equity for patients across Wales. More information on the services offered can be found at:
https://medicalgenomicswales.co.uk/index.php/en/
Health boards in Wales are responsible for offering genomic testing in line with recommended clinical practice, in this case the expert guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on familial risk of breast cancer.
Overview | Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer | Guidance | NICE
And in the case of targeted therapies:
Overview | Talazoparib for treating HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for treating BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for adjuvant treatment of BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
AWMGS also works with other organisations in Genomics Partnership Wales and Health Education and Improvement Wales to develop a skilled, engaged and genomically aware workforce across NHS Wales.
WQ99079 · Tabled · Answered
What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to promote triple negative breast cancer tests?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee is responsible for maintaining the genomic test directory in accordance with recommended clinical practice. More information can be found at:
Genomics - NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) provides access to health board clinical teams to genomic testing in line with the test directory. As it is established as a national service, delivering a national test directory, this helps to ensure equity for patients across Wales. More information on the services offered can be found at:
https://medicalgenomicswales.co.uk/index.php/en/
Health boards in Wales are responsible for offering genomic testing in line with recommended clinical practice, in this case the expert guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on familial risk of breast cancer.
Overview | Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer | Guidance | NICE
And in the case of targeted therapies:
Overview | Talazoparib for treating HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for treating BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for adjuvant treatment of BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
AWMGS also works with other organisations in Genomics Partnership Wales and Health Education and Improvement Wales to develop a skilled, engaged and genomically aware workforce across NHS Wales.
WQ99078 · Tabled · Answered
What steps is the Cabinet Minister taking to ensure that genetic testing for cancers is available in Wales?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee is responsible for maintaining the genomic test directory in accordance with recommended clinical practice. More information can be found at:
Genomics - NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee
The All-Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) provides access to health board clinical teams to genomic testing in line with the test directory. As it is established as a national service, delivering a national test directory, this helps to ensure equity for patients across Wales. More information on the services offered can be found at:
https://medicalgenomicswales.co.uk/index.php/en/
Health boards in Wales are responsible for offering genomic testing in line with recommended clinical practice, in this case the expert guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on familial risk of breast cancer.
Overview | Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer | Guidance | NICE
And in the case of targeted therapies:
Overview | Talazoparib for treating HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for treating BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
Overview | Olaparib for adjuvant treatment of BRCA mutation-positive HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer after chemotherapy | Guidance | NICE
AWMGS also works with other organisations in Genomics Partnership Wales and Health Education and Improvement Wales to develop a skilled, engaged and genomically aware workforce across NHS Wales.
WQ99012 · Tabled · Answered
What actions is the Cabinet Minister taking to stabilise the national supplies of propranolol 80mg modified-release capsules?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Whilst medicines supply is devolved, where appropriate the UK government takes the lead role on the management of medicines supply and shortages, to ensure NHS patients throughout the UK have equity of access to medicines. To support management of medicines supply issues across the UK we work closely with UK and Devolved Governments, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
Medicines shortages can occur for a number of reasons, including an increase in demand which exceeds the manufacturer’s capacity to produce a particular medicine; disruption to the supply of raw materials, and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. Research by the Nuffield Trust has also shown that Brexit has had a particularly detrimental impact on both the supply and affordability of medicines.
In the case of propranolol modified release preparations, both manufacturers supplying propranolol to the UK have been experiencing difficulties in their supply chains since end of 2025 and these are expected to continue until August 2026. In the meantime, clinicians have been advised to consider switching patients to immediate release propranolol tablets, or to an alternative treatment option.
A Medicines Shortage Letter was issued to NHS Wales on 11 November informing them of the shortage and to provide clinicians with advice on managing patients affected by it. We will continue to review this guidance as circumstances evolve.
The shortage will affect both the NHS and private supply of propranolol 80mg. Paying privately for treatment, including private prescriptions, is entirely a personal decision for patients and their families – but the aforementioned guidance is designed to ensure that the limited supply of medicines available through the NHS is managed fairly and proportionately. Neither the NHS nor the Welsh Government refunds all, or part, of the costs of private prescriptions.
WQ99011 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the causes of the delays to the distribution of propranolol 80mg modified-release capsules?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Whilst medicines supply is devolved, where appropriate the UK government takes the lead role on the management of medicines supply and shortages, to ensure NHS patients throughout the UK have equity of access to medicines. To support management of medicines supply issues across the UK we work closely with UK and Devolved Governments, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
Medicines shortages can occur for a number of reasons, including an increase in demand which exceeds the manufacturer’s capacity to produce a particular medicine; disruption to the supply of raw materials, and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. Research by the Nuffield Trust has also shown that Brexit has had a particularly detrimental impact on both the supply and affordability of medicines.
In the case of propranolol modified release preparations, both manufacturers supplying propranolol to the UK have been experiencing difficulties in their supply chains since end of 2025 and these are expected to continue until August 2026. In the meantime, clinicians have been advised to consider switching patients to immediate release propranolol tablets, or to an alternative treatment option.
A Medicines Shortage Letter was issued to NHS Wales on 11 November informing them of the shortage and to provide clinicians with advice on managing patients affected by it. We will continue to review this guidance as circumstances evolve.
The shortage will affect both the NHS and private supply of propranolol 80mg. Paying privately for treatment, including private prescriptions, is entirely a personal decision for patients and their families – but the aforementioned guidance is designed to ensure that the limited supply of medicines available through the NHS is managed fairly and proportionately. Neither the NHS nor the Welsh Government refunds all, or part, of the costs of private prescriptions.
WQ99010 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the timeframe for the supply propranolol 80mg modified-release capsules?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Whilst medicines supply is devolved, where appropriate the UK government takes the lead role on the management of medicines supply and shortages, to ensure NHS patients throughout the UK have equity of access to medicines. To support management of medicines supply issues across the UK we work closely with UK and Devolved Governments, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
Medicines shortages can occur for a number of reasons, including an increase in demand which exceeds the manufacturer’s capacity to produce a particular medicine; disruption to the supply of raw materials, and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. Research by the Nuffield Trust has also shown that Brexit has had a particularly detrimental impact on both the supply and affordability of medicines.
In the case of propranolol modified release preparations, both manufacturers supplying propranolol to the UK have been experiencing difficulties in their supply chains since end of 2025 and these are expected to continue until August 2026. In the meantime, clinicians have been advised to consider switching patients to immediate release propranolol tablets, or to an alternative treatment option.
A Medicines Shortage Letter was issued to NHS Wales on 11 November informing them of the shortage and to provide clinicians with advice on managing patients affected by it. We will continue to review this guidance as circumstances evolve.
The shortage will affect both the NHS and private supply of propranolol 80mg. Paying privately for treatment, including private prescriptions, is entirely a personal decision for patients and their families – but the aforementioned guidance is designed to ensure that the limited supply of medicines available through the NHS is managed fairly and proportionately. Neither the NHS nor the Welsh Government refunds all, or part, of the costs of private prescriptions.
WQ99009 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the shortages of propranolol 80mg modified-release capsules?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Whilst medicines supply is devolved, where appropriate the UK government takes the lead role on the management of medicines supply and shortages, to ensure NHS patients throughout the UK have equity of access to medicines. To support management of medicines supply issues across the UK we work closely with UK and Devolved Governments, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
Medicines shortages can occur for a number of reasons, including an increase in demand which exceeds the manufacturer’s capacity to produce a particular medicine; disruption to the supply of raw materials, and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. Research by the Nuffield Trust has also shown that Brexit has had a particularly detrimental impact on both the supply and affordability of medicines.
In the case of propranolol modified release preparations, both manufacturers supplying propranolol to the UK have been experiencing difficulties in their supply chains since end of 2025 and these are expected to continue until August 2026. In the meantime, clinicians have been advised to consider switching patients to immediate release propranolol tablets, or to an alternative treatment option.
A Medicines Shortage Letter was issued to NHS Wales on 11 November informing them of the shortage and to provide clinicians with advice on managing patients affected by it. We will continue to review this guidance as circumstances evolve.
The shortage will affect both the NHS and private supply of propranolol 80mg. Paying privately for treatment, including private prescriptions, is entirely a personal decision for patients and their families – but the aforementioned guidance is designed to ensure that the limited supply of medicines available through the NHS is managed fairly and proportionately. Neither the NHS nor the Welsh Government refunds all, or part, of the costs of private prescriptions.
WQ99008 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on what support is available for patients who have incurred substantial private costs because NHS supplies of propranolol 80 mg modified-release capsules have been unavailable?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Whilst medicines supply is devolved, where appropriate the UK government takes the lead role on the management of medicines supply and shortages, to ensure NHS patients throughout the UK have equity of access to medicines. To support management of medicines supply issues across the UK we work closely with UK and Devolved Governments, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
Medicines shortages can occur for a number of reasons, including an increase in demand which exceeds the manufacturer’s capacity to produce a particular medicine; disruption to the supply of raw materials, and problems encountered during the manufacturing process. Research by the Nuffield Trust has also shown that Brexit has had a particularly detrimental impact on both the supply and affordability of medicines.
In the case of propranolol modified release preparations, both manufacturers supplying propranolol to the UK have been experiencing difficulties in their supply chains since end of 2025 and these are expected to continue until August 2026. In the meantime, clinicians have been advised to consider switching patients to immediate release propranolol tablets, or to an alternative treatment option.
A Medicines Shortage Letter was issued to NHS Wales on 11 November informing them of the shortage and to provide clinicians with advice on managing patients affected by it. We will continue to review this guidance as circumstances evolve.
The shortage will affect both the NHS and private supply of propranolol 80mg. Paying privately for treatment, including private prescriptions, is entirely a personal decision for patients and their families – but the aforementioned guidance is designed to ensure that the limited supply of medicines available through the NHS is managed fairly and proportionately. Neither the NHS nor the Welsh Government refunds all, or part, of the costs of private prescriptions.
WQ98961 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what percentage of farmers who have subscribed to the Sustainable Farming Scheme are lowland farmers?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I published data on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) – in a written statement on 10 June: Written Statement: Single Application Form 2026 – Details of the numbers of Sustainable Farming Scheme - Universal Layer and Basic Payment Scheme claims (10 June 2026) | GOV.WALES
Information on whether SFS claimants are hill or lowland farmers is not collected.
WQ98960 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what percentage of farmers who have subscribed to the Sustainable Farming Scheme are hill farmers?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I published data on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) – in a written statement on 10 June: Written Statement: Single Application Form 2026 – Details of the numbers of Sustainable Farming Scheme - Universal Layer and Basic Payment Scheme claims (10 June 2026) | GOV.WALES
Information on whether SFS claimants are hill or lowland farmers is not collected.
WQ98959 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what percentage of farmers have subscribed to the Sustainable Farming Scheme since the start of the scheme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I published data on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) – in a written statement on 10 June: Written Statement: Single Application Form 2026 – Details of the numbers of Sustainable Farming Scheme - Universal Layer and Basic Payment Scheme claims (10 June 2026) | GOV.WALES
Information on whether SFS claimants are hill or lowland farmers is not collected.
WQ98958 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on what percentage of farmers have taken up the new Sustainable Farming Scheme?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I published data on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) – in a written statement on 10 June: Written Statement: Single Application Form 2026 – Details of the numbers of Sustainable Farming Scheme - Universal Layer and Basic Payment Scheme claims (10 June 2026) | GOV.WALES
Information on whether SFS claimants are hill or lowland farmers is not collected.
WQ98933 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister outline the reasons for the delay of the opening of the Llandudno Orthopedic Unit?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
The opening of the North Wales Surgical Centre at Llandudno hospital has been delayed as set out in my reply to WQ98543. A range of factors have contributed to the delays in the centre treating patients, but I understand that the scheme is now close to completion. The outstanding works are around the formal commissioning of equipment and infrastructure prior to patients being seen.
My officials have confirmed that there will be a lessons learned review undertaken once the centre is operational to establish and understand the reasons behind the delays encountered.
WQ98930 · Tabled · Answered
What support is the Cabinet Minister providing clinicians who want to reinstate local ENT clinics?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Local health boards are responsible for making sure people get the care they need, whether that’s delivered directly by the NHS or commissioned where it makes sense. Clinicians should work through their clinical leadership structures within their organisations to support planning of services.
WQ98929 · Tabled · Answered
What consultations has the Cabinet Minister organised in regards to reinstating the Llandudno ENT clinic?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
Local health boards are responsible for making sure people get the care they need—whether that’s delivered directly by the NHS or commissioned where it makes sense.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.