Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
30/09/2020Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Education
Will the Minister make a statement on pupils' return to school in North Wales?
I am extremely grateful to our schools and local authorities for their hard work in ensuring we were ready to support the return of all pupils this term. The latest published attendance data shows an average of 84 per cent of pupils attended schools in north Wales in the week commencing 14 September.
What steps is the Welsh Government considering to reduce the amount of school time lost as a result of COVID -19?
We are supporting schools in their efforts to deliver learning, given the range, scale and variability of disruption. We published our coronavirus control plan, which sets out our expectations for the operation of education and childcare settings at each of the stages in the wider coronavirus control plan for Wales.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales on school transport arrangements during the coronavirus emergency?
School transport is the responsibility of the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport. As part of the preparations for the return to school for both the summer and autumn terms, I had several discussions with the Deputy Minister about school transport. My officials continue to meet regularly with transport officials.
What immediate action is being taken to reduce the number of secondary schools in special measures?
Welsh Government was trialling a multi-agency approach to support those schools in special measures. The trial was paused due to the demands of the pandemic. We are now looking to build on that approach this year so that these schools have the support to improve.
Questions For - Minister for Health and Social Services
How is the Welsh Government supporting rural areas of Wales in preventing the community transmission of COVID-19?
We are supporting all areas in preventing community transmission. Local action and restrictions are targeted at areas where rates are increasing. As would be expected, we have seen the highest number of cases in urban areas, where the population is greater, which makes the transmission of the virus easier.
Will the Minister make a statement on the take-up of online GP appointments in North Wales?
Throughout the pandemic, GPs and their teams have remained accessible through video, telephone and face-to-face appointments. The roll-out of national software to all GP practices in Wales has allowed practices to provide patients with online access to timely care.
What assessment has the Minister made of plans to build a new Velindre Cancer Centre on the Northern Meadows in Cardiff?
Velindre University NHS Trust has submitted outline business cases to the Welsh Government for this scheme. I expect to receive advice from my officials in the coming months in order to make a decision on the scheme early in the new year.
What further steps will the Welsh Government take to improve the capacity of the NHS as we approach the winter spike in demand?
Ten field hospitals, new additional hospital facilities and capacity identified across existing hospital sites will provide up to 5,000 beds to enable health boards to manage potential spikes in emergency admissions caused by COVID-19. Action is also under way to improve management of demand in the community to help prevent unnecessary hospital visits.