In relation to the First Minister's recent comments on service changes in the future for Hywel Dda UHB, will the Cabinet Secretary confirm exactly what discussions have been had with the health board in regards to the future design of services?
I meet regularly with all health boards to discuss various issues in relation to their responsibilities, including receiving general updates on their service change plans.
Health boards also update Welsh Government officials on their progress in developing clinical services strategies, and the underpinning engagement processes, through regular Joint Executive Team meetings and the Integrated Medium Term Plan development process. For Hywel Dda University Health Board this has also been a regular agenda item at monthly Targeted Intervention meetings.
During my regular appraisal reviews with chairs, we routinely discuss the need for health boards to have effective clinical services strategies in place, including the importance of clinical, staff and public engagement as part of this process. This will ensure that the people of Wales are provided with evidence based care and treatment that results in the best possible outcomes.
While I seek assurance about the process they follow for service changes, local services plans remain a matter for health boards to determine using well-established procedures. I would however encourage the health board to continue to follow full and proper processes and ensure an open discussion on any final proposals to improve health and care in the region. Guiding principles on the development of long term clinical services strategies and transformation of services are contained within the NHS Planning Framework.