5. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care: Access to Primary and Community Care Services

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:46 pm on 21 January 2025.

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Photo of Hannah Blythyn Hannah Blythyn Labour 4:46, 21 January 2025

I welcome the statement's emphasis on primary care as a main point of contact that most people have with healthcare services, and that's why, obviously, supporting it and investing in it and building on it is so important. I've raised here previously with you the findings of my recent health survey in my constituency, and many of the points raised there were around access to GP services or getting through or not being able to get an appointment. I recognise what you say and I'm pleased that, whilst you rightly referred to the changes to help people access GPs, you recognise that there are still frustrations out there, and there's probably still some work to do to build on what has already come before.

So, can I ask today what assurance you can give that strengthening access to GPs and primary care remains a key focus of the Welsh Government's work? And touching on the broader services that may be available in the community now through other means, whether that's through pharmacies or elsewhere, is there a way in which we can have a mapping exercise that educates people and makes people aware of where these services can be found, so that we can increase people's ability to access those services, not just through their GP, in the future?