Written Assembly Questions tabled on 12 October 2016 for answer on 19 October 2016
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W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
(Self-identifying question no. shown in brackets)
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the First Minister
Sian Gwenllian (Arfon): Will you expand upon the statement you made on 4 October during Questions to the First Minister regarding centring vascular services in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, and release the information proving that the Community Health Council agrees with your statement? (WAQ71190)W
Answer received on 1 November 2016
The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): On 18 January 2013, as part of its service change programme 'Healthcare in North Wales is Changing', Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed its decision to centralise complex vascular services at the preferred location of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. This move was to be facilitated through an interim operational contingency move to two arterial centres, in Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospitals.
In accordance with the Community Health Councils (Constitution, Membership and Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2010, Betsi Cadwaladr Community Health Council wrote to the then Minister for Health and Social Services on 4 March 2013, setting out its response to the health board's proposals.
A copy of this letter is available on the CHC's website:
http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/900/FINAL%20LETTER%20TO%20MINISTER%20%28no%20signature%29.pdf
Centralising specialist and emergency vascular surgical services is listed as one of the proposals which is supported by the CHC, although they did have some concerns in relation to the advanced training of medical and nursing staff which would be required.
The health board subsequently provided assurances it would set in place arrangements to ensure appropriate and sustainable training – of high quality and meeting national standards – for all services. Its implementation process monitors and manages risks for each service area and any issues of significance are escalated to the executive team.
Adam Price (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): Will the First Minister publish the advice he has received to substantiate his comments on 3 October that "membership of the Single Market means membership of the EU"? (WAQ71191)
Answer received on 20 October 2016
The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): Participation in the Single Market is determined through negotiation and agreement with the EU. Only EU Member States participate fully in making decisions on the legislation which governs the Single Market.