Does the Minister have plans to introduce more facilities across Wales to help reduce waiting times, following the announcement of plans to build a new orthopaedic hub in Llandudno?
Within the planned care recovery plan we made the commitment to support new ways of working and improving capacity. Establishing additional models of delivery forms part of this commitment. It is not always about new buildings but using current resources differently.
The new developments can be within existing health boards or across boundaries on a regional footprint. We have already made the commitment to support the development of the Llantrisant site for the Southeast Wales region for potentially diagnostics and treatments, plans are ongoing between the three health boards. We have financially supported the development of the Neath Port Talbot site for orthopaedic services to provide additional regional resources for Southwest Wales, together with the Prince Phillip site in Hywel Dda.
Work across the Regions for ophthalmology continue with current resources being used regionally where appropriate while future plans are confirmed. Currently a mobile ophthalmology theatre based in Cardiff is being used by each health board in Southeast Wales.