National Assembly for Wales

I was encouraged that WAST responded to the highest numbers of ‘Red’ category patients in 8 minutes on record in October 2023. However, there is much for Health Boards to do in reducing long ambulance patient handover delays to free up crews to provide timely responses.

At the end of September 2024, the total number of open pathways waiting over 104 weeks was 66% lower than the high of March 2022. This month we have invested an additional £50m to support health boards to make further improvements by March 2025.

We recognise the intense pressure sometimes experienced by the NHS in Wales, which can result in long stays in emergency departments or assessment spaces. However, we do not support people being routinely treated in inappropriate environments, or incidences where people’s quality of care, privacy

We provide a range of support for businesses in North Wales. This includes Business Wales, the Welsh Government’s bilingual business support service providing businesses and entrepreneurs with a single point of contact for business information, advice and support. This is backed up by targeted relationship management, innovation and export support.

We have established a Retail Forum to foster dialogue between the Government, trade unions, and employer representatives. This forum aims to support a successful, sustainable, and resilient retail sector that provides fair, secure, and rewarding work. 

There are enormous net zero opportunities across Wales to support business growth and to develop new technologies. We recognise the importance of creating a pipeline of skilled and talented individuals, which was one of our seven key priorities within the Net Zero Skills Action Plan.