What specific action is the Welsh Government taking to reduce NHS waiting times in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board region?
Tackling the backlog is a key priority for this government. I published the Planned Care Recovery Plan on 26 April, backed by an additional £170m of recurrent funding to help the NHS in Wales to recover planned care following the pandemic.
The plan, which has been developed in collaboration with clinicians, has challenging but achievable targets contained within it, and I have been clear with all health boards of my expectations around delivery.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has received its share of the funding and is using some of it to provide appointments and treatments for patients with alternative providers.
As part of its modernisation and transformation commitment the health board is developing the Royal Gwent Hospital as a one-stop treatment centre and is committed to scoping work this year to similarly develop Nevill Hall Hospital in the future.