:00:23. > :00:28.Good afternoon, welcome to the programme and our weekly coverage of
:00:29. > :00:31.Questions to the First Minister. Well, I hope you've already got into
:00:32. > :00:35.your armchair position ahead of what's likely to be a highly charged
:00:36. > :00:38.start to First Minister's Questions. Last week, the Conservative leader,
:00:39. > :00:44.Andrew RT Davies, sacked four of his group from the front bench. If that
:00:45. > 9:53:49wasn't enough, it emerged over the weekend that there have been
9:53:50 > 1:13:22divisions within the group since Mr Davies took over as leader. So you
1:13:23 > 1:13:22expect questions from Carwyn Jones today to the Leader of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Opposition. Other than that, six of the first ten questions today are on
1:13:23 > 1:13:22health, with the future of our local councils and the impact of flooding
1:13:23 > 1:13:22also demanding answers. But remember, please get in touch with
1:13:23 > 1:13:22us if there's anything you want to talk about. You can comment on
1:13:23 > 1:13:22anything on this programme or any other political news. You can reach
1:13:23 > 1:13:22us via Twitter, we're @walespolitics. Or send us an email
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to am.pm@bbc.co.uk. Well, business in the chamber is already underway,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22so let's go over to the Senedd now and take a look at Questions to the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22First Minister. TRANSLATION:
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Good afternoon, the National Assembly has come to order.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Questions to the First Minister. Question one, Kirsty Williams. Would
1:13:23 > 1:13:22he make a statement on ambulance services in Brecon and Radnorshire?
1:13:23 > 1:13:22The latest with available response to figures shows category a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22performance in Paris was better compared to the same period last
1:13:23 > 1:13:22year. -- in Powys. The figures recently released by the Welsh
1:13:23 > 1:13:22gamblers trust show ambulances in Powys Art and soaring muster theft
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of their cause in the local health board areas, so many of my
1:13:23 > 1:13:22constituents are potentially being left without the proper ambulance
1:13:23 > 1:13:22cover. When I raised this issue with you last June, you said you would
1:13:23 > 1:13:22investigate the matter. What did that reveal? There is no reason to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22suggest was a lack of cover. We see that because of the figures I have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22just mentioned from December of last year. In terms of responses
1:13:23 > 1:13:22including air ambulance responses, we know people in Powys to get to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital quickly when they need to, despite the rural nature of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22county. There will be some communities across the borders and
1:13:23 > 1:13:2220 batteries where that is necessary, but it does not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22necessarily mean there will be a lack of cover elsewhere. First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister, the problems in the Ambulance Service are confined --
1:13:23 > 1:13:22are not confined to Brecon and Radnorshire. What we have found is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that there are problems across Wales, including in my constituency,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22where 13 hospitals... I have cut your microphone off, Darren Miller.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Because we are talking about Brecon and Radnorshire. I do not want
1:13:23 > 1:13:22examples of other areas. I am merely making the point the Ambulance
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Service is under pressure. As a result largely of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22record-breaking cuts which Europe have made has imposed upon the Welsh
1:13:23 > 1:13:22NHS. What action are you taking to remedy that situation, to ensure our
1:13:23 > 1:13:22unscheduled care performance can improve, and what lessons can you
1:13:23 > 1:13:22learn from looking across the border, where the performance of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Ambulance Service is a lot better than here in Wales? It is important
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that were summary is on the front bench of any party -- somebody... It
1:13:23 > 1:13:22gives the shaggy dog is about record-breaking cuts. His own party
1:13:23 > 1:13:22has imposed cuts of ?20 billion on the NHS in England. In England, it
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is called efficiencies, but it is smoke and mirrors. We know in terms
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of the audit office, the reliance should not be placed on the figures
1:13:23 > 1:13:22are used for referral to treatment times. We take no lessons from the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22party opposite. We know that to them, the NHS is not important.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22TRANSLATION: There is no general hospital either
1:13:23 > 1:13:22within the boundaries of Brecon and Radnorshire and Powys, therefore,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22patients have to be taken to nearby hospitals, and those are currently
1:13:23 > 1:13:22under review. By the way down to south Wales. In that context, the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Ambulance Service has admitted that patients will have to spend longer
1:13:23 > 1:13:22being transported over greater distances and they have admitted
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that this will require more training and enhanced skills for certain
1:13:23 > 1:13:22stuff. As the Ambulance Service is already suffering because of levels
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of sickness, twice the level of a service such as the police, how will
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you ensure that the staff and necessary skills are in place for
1:13:23 > 1:13:22these longer journeys in ambulances, which will come about as a result of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the reorganisation of health care? It does not follow that people will
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have to travel further in numbers because the air ambulance is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22available and it has been true in Powys for a long time. We know it is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22entirely natural in Powys, where emergencies in terms of childbirth
1:13:23 > 1:13:22take place. Jenny Rathbone. Excuse me. I do beg your pardon, First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister. Yes, I was referring to emergencies which are in terms of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22childbirth, where mothers are taken to hospitals in England, sometimes
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in Wales, by air ambulance. I do think that the paramedics already
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have good skills in Wales, but we need to reconsider the skill set and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22we expect the Trust to do that. What can the Welsh, do to ensure that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22local authorities are future proofing public services to deliver
1:13:23 > 1:13:22more with less? The local authority is responsible for ensuring the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22sustainability of these services that delivers to individuals,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22families and communities. What we support local authorities to do this
1:13:23 > 1:13:22through legislation and policy, and funding. A recent report on the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22financial challenges facing local authorities indicates that only a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22quarter are looking beyond the immediate process. When we know that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22this is something that is going to affect, not just the short-term
1:13:23 > 1:13:22challenge, so what can we do to promote much more strategic
1:13:23 > 1:13:22conversation with local communities, as to what services communities
1:13:23 > 1:13:22want, and how we can deliver them sustainably? It is for local
1:13:23 > 1:13:22authorities to deliver those services, it is within their
1:13:23 > 1:13:22responsibilities, but as the member will know, the view of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Government is that there needs to be a restructuring of the local
1:13:23 > 1:13:22government in Wales. Once that is done, I believe it will be far more
1:13:23 > 1:13:22possible for the services to be delivered sustainability in future.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Future proofing of services in Wales requires a change in service to,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22breaking down barriers between people who provide services and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22those who use them. How would you respond to their call for experts
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and links between service providers and citizens and communities,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22designing and delivering the services together, and sharing
1:13:23 > 1:13:22budgets? It is important that there is collaboration and what it sharing
1:13:23 > 1:13:22where that is appropriate. Of course, we would seek to ensure that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22where services are made available to members of the public either by
1:13:23 > 1:13:22local authorities or other public bodies, they work with the service
1:13:23 > 1:13:22recipients in order to ensure the services appropriate for the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22individual. TRANSLATION: Thank you very much. Referring to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the report that Jenny Rathbone mentioned, the audit office is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22highly critical of the failure of local authorities to tackle these
1:13:23 > 1:13:22challenges. But in describing good practice in one council estate where
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the council benefits from financial management which is strong and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22robust, and has some success in planning effectively for the future
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and what would you join with me in congratulating the leadership and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the officials on their vision and success? Of course, I could see that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22coming from a long way. But may I praise any local authority that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22ensures that they understand the challenges ahead, and Gwinnett and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22another -- the number of other authorities. Leanne Wood. Last week
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the South Wales programme reviewed that might reveal its proposals for
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the withdrawal of critical health services from some of our hospitals.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22You have fully supported their plans. You have repeatedly claimed
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that medical professionals themselves support centralisation.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Now that the health board has voiced opposition to the proposals for the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Royal Glamorgan Hospital, confirming there is no universal consensus
1:13:23 > 1:13:22among medical professionals, will the final decision on the future of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the Royal Glamorgan Hospital be made by the Minister for health? There is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the responsibility to ensure that the health service is sustainable
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and safe in the future. It has become clear that the consensus that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you claimed on this matter never did exist. There is not consensus, even
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in your own party. The current number of Parliament for the Rhondda
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is saying that he is not happy and that assumptions that were made in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22reaching the hospital downgrade proposals are a mistake. -- member
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of Parliament for stuff I have reason to believe that there are
1:13:23 > 1:13:22embers of your own party sitting behind you to share those views. --
1:13:23 > 1:13:22members. Will you show some leadership today now, and assure us
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that we will not see any more Labour Party banners proclaiming your
1:13:23 > 1:13:22party's opposition to the South Wales programme? Will you give us an
1:13:23 > 1:13:22undertaking that your party will be straight with people on health from
1:13:23 > 1:13:22now on? Well, we have been straight. The question is, your party has not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22been, on any number of occasions. The Health Minister will take
1:13:23 > 1:13:22decisions with regard to the final structure of certain that Iraq if
1:13:23 > 1:13:22certain circumstances are met. If there is not agreement, it will have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to be looked at. What we want, of course, is to ensure that there is a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22sustainable health service across the whole of that part of South
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Wales in the future. That means looking at every hospital, not just
1:13:23 > 1:13:22focusing on the Royal Glamorgan. You will no doubt most attempts at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22reconfiguration are now ending with costly judicial reviews. It is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22likely that the South Wales proposals will end up in the courts
1:13:23 > 1:13:22as well. Your party is split, your plans have been rejected by the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22public, senior health managers are in disagreement, as our medics.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22First Minister, this situation is a mess. I miss you could end right
1:13:23 > 1:13:22now. Instead of wishing your deeply unpopular centralisation plans --
1:13:23 > 1:13:22instead of pushing, now is the time to focus on boosting NHS
1:13:23 > 1:13:22recruitment, sorting out the Ambulance Service and merging health
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and social care, as proposed by Plaid Cymru. The problem she has is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that we are Co greater health service in Wales that will be
1:13:23 > 1:13:22attracted -- attractive for people to working for them she wants no
1:13:23 > 1:13:22change and she will see a collapse of services in time. All the time,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22they claim to say that consultants do not supported, but they do, that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is a fact. You should talk to more consultants, as I do, and you will
1:13:23 > 1:13:22understand that they will say, it is important we have hospitals that are
1:13:23 > 1:13:22able to offer the right level of training, that there that night and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22it is important that doctors find a hospital that is able to offer them
1:13:23 > 1:13:22an opportunity to practise. What she wants is a second cup --
1:13:23 > 1:13:22second-class health service, start with up who are not properly
1:13:23 > 1:13:22trained, or hospitals that are understaffed, because that is more
1:13:23 > 1:13:22important than having doctors of the right level of expertise. To give
1:13:23 > 1:13:22one example, what was her party's view on the centralisation on
1:13:23 > 1:13:22stomach cancer operations? They were against it, and what happened? A 20%
1:13:23 > 1:13:22increase in survival. But they would rather keep services local, even if
1:13:23 > 1:13:22those services are worse. Rather than sing to the people of Wales,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22there are some conditions that have to be centrally is in order that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22more people should live. That is the important aspect here. For her
1:13:23 > 1:13:22party, it is more important that they play political games, rather
1:13:23 > 1:13:22than deliver services that will ensure that more people have a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22better outcome. That is secondary to their own considerations. We moved
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams. First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister, last April, I asked you about the number of ambulances'
1:13:23 > 1:13:22waiting hours outside A departments, and you told me you
1:13:23 > 1:13:22were seeing what could be done to alleviate the situation. I have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22figures that showed in December, there were over 2000 occasions when
1:13:23 > 1:13:22it took more than an hour to turn around an ambulance. Are you still
1:13:23 > 1:13:22looking for the solution? 85% of people at the last count do get into
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital within an hour. There will be occasions where people have to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22wait longer. But we're not in the situation that has existed in some
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospitals in England where they are serial occasions where ambulances
1:13:23 > 1:13:22are waiting. I do not know what your definition of cereal is, but we had
1:13:23 > 1:13:22over 2000 incidents in one month alone. That fans like pretty cereal
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to me. -- that Sun is. Today we hear the number of amulets service staff
1:13:23 > 1:13:22with stress is increased by 60% and serious concerns have been raised
1:13:23 > 1:13:22about the frustration in wasting outside hospitals, watching patients
1:13:23 > 1:13:22deteriorate. -- waiting outside. Asked May, the Health Minister
1:13:23 > 1:13:22acknowledged this problem and said tackling stress for ambulance staff
1:13:23 > 1:13:22was his priority. What have you done to reduce the pressure on
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hard-working paramedics and Ambulance Service staff? She for the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22last month, there are 40 bits and fewer patients waiting for handovers
1:13:23 > 1:13:22than there was last year. We have monitored the situation
1:13:23 > 1:13:22between March and September last year. There was a vast improvement
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in those patients discharged or moved after a rival and A She
1:13:23 > 1:13:22talks about people having to bite and she mentions figures in the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22thousands, 940,000 people attend emergency departments every year in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Wales. 940,000. The vast majority of those people get good treatment at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the correct thing. Where that does not happen, it is important that we
1:13:23 > 1:13:22make improvements. White mac that did not answer my question. What had
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you done since last May to reduce the stress on ambulance staff.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Despite what you said earlier and you do not seem to understand that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22senior angler 's trust managers -- Ambulance Trust managers in order to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22cope with these changes, it means more paramedics will be needed
1:13:23 > 1:13:22because services are moving. Will you commit on behalf of your
1:13:23 > 1:13:22government today to make sure that the Welsh Ambulance Service has all
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the resources that it needs in order to make sure that patients are not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22put at risk and are delivered to hospitals and a Thame Market,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22following the centralisation of the central government?
1:13:23 > 1:13:22She will understand, no doubt, that we are training more paramedics,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22because they understand the point that she makes. What she does not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22understand or grass is that the vast majority of patients are transferred
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and seen within one hour. There will be cases where this is not the case.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22We are not happy with the current quotas. But it shows that the vast
1:13:23 > 1:13:22majority of people are treated in good time and received good
1:13:23 > 1:13:22treatments. We are training more paramedics but let us make sure we
1:13:23 > 1:13:22understand that when it comes to the NHS in Wales, the vast majority of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22people received a good service. The patient service tells us that.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22We now move to the door of the opposition, Andrew RT Davies. -- the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Leader of the Opposition. It is good to hear so much cheering from the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22benches opposite. Order, I am interested to know what
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the Leader of the Opposition wants to see this afternoon. Andrew RT
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Davies. I would like to ask the First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister on the reports today on the case of Ian Watkins and the failure
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of children's services in that area and those charged to protect young
1:13:23 > 1:13:22people against such allegations and the lack of response when concerns
1:13:23 > 1:13:22are raised at the early stages. As the First Minister believe that the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22services as configurators did all they could to assist in addressing
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the concerns that were raised on this particular issue? These
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns have been raised today. I think it is correct that those
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns are given the full this consideration.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22I am grateful for the First Minister answer on that. If the concerns are
1:13:23 > 1:13:22substantiated, and I see no reason that they will not be, will the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Welsh Government be instigating an inquiry into the failure to address
1:13:23 > 1:13:22these concerns and actually make sure that they make safeguards
1:13:23 > 1:13:22available to ensure that these horrendous crimes are not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22perpetrated on other children across Wales, let alone and that specific
1:13:23 > 1:13:22area? It is difficult to predict that. The
1:13:23 > 1:13:22suggestion is that police are involved and they are not devolved
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and we cannot call them to account when it comes to any kind of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22inquiry, we have met that problem before been looking at other
1:13:23 > 1:13:22situations. What needs to happen and this needs to be looked at carefully
1:13:23 > 1:13:22before any consideration is getting to ensure that the public will have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22confidence in the system that exists at the moment. Thank you. Due not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22think a Serious Case Review would be a way to pull all of these agents
1:13:23 > 1:13:22together to look at the allegations regardless of whether this is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22devolved or non-devolved? Many outside of this institution will not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22be concerned about where that responsibility lies, they just want
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to make sure that the safeguards are in place and that action is the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Internet address the real concerns that have been raised today and I do
1:13:23 > 1:13:22believe and teacher at your word that you will look at this, but I
1:13:23 > 1:13:22believe the Welsh Government has a key role in instigating such a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22review and taking the lead on it as the main executive body here in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Wales. As I said to the Leader of the Opposition elder, and I am sure
1:13:23 > 1:13:22this is something that the Minister will look at with a view to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22determining the best way forward, but where such allegations are used,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22it is important that they are given due consideration within that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22regard. Will the First Minister make a statement on the provision of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22unscheduled care? The focus on winter planning means
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that resilience and the system is better than ever. We have seen that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22over the course of the past few months. Significant improvements
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have been achieved by NHS Wales when compared to the relevant performance
1:13:23 > 1:13:22indicators. Thank you. How are the health board discussing things to do
1:13:23 > 1:13:22with Withybush Hospital, can you confirm that they are looking at
1:13:23 > 1:13:2224/7 services which two the local health board have confirmed that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22they wish to see 24/7 emergency cover continue at with the Bush
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital. Thank you for that, following on
1:13:23 > 1:13:22from Rebecca Evans question, Minister, perhaps you would care to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22tell us what effect you think will happen to accident and make -- A
1:13:23 > 1:13:22as paediatrics is being moved to another hospital and will cover be
1:13:23 > 1:13:22available for within the hospital? The gadgets take up 25% of most A
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is and that is going through that hospital meaning that with the Bush
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital will have no option but to have a reconfiguration of hours and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22some honesty in this discussion from the health board to the public who
1:13:23 > 1:13:22are already very upset by the changes that have gone on and the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Pembrokeshire area would be much appreciated. The Minster promised us
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to look at this. I can only see what I said previously and that is that
1:13:23 > 1:13:2224/7 emergency care as the wish of our hearty when it comes to this
1:13:23 > 1:13:22situation. I read recently that some patients
1:13:23 > 1:13:22wander into A departments with complaints about back-ups. Some
1:13:23 > 1:13:22patients go to A departments as many as 40 times per year. What at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22skin -- what action are taking to reduce these kinds of problems? It
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is not necessary for people to attend. A is the only area of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22health service that cannot turn people away. I have spoken at length
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to consultants and my own hospital and they have often told me stories
1:13:23 > 1:13:22about how people will come to them when there is nothing wrong with
1:13:23 > 1:13:22them. They have also visited their GPs for or five times. They say that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22their GP has not done anything so they then attend A There is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22nothing wrong with them, of course. That is why the Health Minister has
1:13:23 > 1:13:22been clear that people should not attend A departments unless it is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22essential. People must be able to access GP services at a time that is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22convenient to them, that is why we have rolled out access to GPs at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22evenings and weekends and I have seen this happening, where GPs are
1:13:23 > 1:13:22now available in the evenings, and in those practices, they offer
1:13:23 > 1:13:22nurses as part of the practices and the county with a lot of minor
1:13:23 > 1:13:22injuries as well to take the pressure off A departments. People
1:13:23 > 1:13:22should not attend A unless absolutely essential.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Will the First Minister make a statement on the Young Recruits
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Programme? Yes, it has been a great success and demand has been high, we
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have exceeded the target for this financial year. I would endorse your
1:13:23 > 1:13:22comments, it has been an excellent initiative for job-seekers and small
1:13:23 > 1:13:22employers alight. In recent months, however, I have received concerns in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22relation to some of the lengthy delays and the payment processes and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in particular to our sole traders and small businesses. And the July
1:13:23 > 1:13:222013 evaluation process, weaknesses were identified as an accurate
1:13:23 > 1:13:22information sent to employers regarding funding criteria. Under
1:13:23 > 1:13:22resourcing of programme Administration, which was leading
1:13:23 > 1:13:22small businesses working with very tight margins and low disposable
1:13:23 > 1:13:22revenues and really struggling to participate. First Minister, will
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you work with your deputy minister to speed up this process so that our
1:13:23 > 1:13:22employers and all our job-seekers who wants to take advantage of this
1:13:23 > 1:13:22initiative can do so? Yes, the programme is a very successful one.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22We welcome the fact that so many people have benefited from it and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22working with the Minister we will continue to ensure that the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22programme moves from success to success. We and Plaid Cymru are very
1:13:23 > 1:13:22pleased to be a driving force working with your government to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22greatly increase the number of apprenticeships. Do you, First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister, agree that oversubscription of the Young
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Recruits Programme shows that the government needs to take urgent
1:13:23 > 1:13:22action to further extend the programme, including increasing the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22number of higher-level apprentices? Well, that is something for the next
1:13:23 > 1:13:22budget, I suspect. We are very pleased that the programme has been
1:13:23 > 1:13:22working very well and we acknowledge the agreement that was made at the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22time of the last budget. And, of course, we acknowledge this and them
1:13:23 > 1:13:22success of the jobs programme in Wales that has attracted a lot of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22people into permanent employment. First Minister, how many of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22young people who do is accessible completely jobs growth Wales
1:13:23 > 1:13:22placement transferred directly into the Young Recruits Programme? I do
1:13:23 > 1:13:22not have that figure but what I can tell you is that the vast majority
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of them to get a permanent job, those that do not often go into
1:13:23 > 1:13:22other education or other apprenticeship schemes.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Thank you, will the First Minister make a statement on the services at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Withybush Hospital? It will continue to play a vital role for services to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the people of Pembrokeshire. Two weeks ago I asked you about the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22downgrading of services at with a Bridge Hospital following the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22decision of your government to close the special care baby unit at the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital. And your response you suggested that the Health
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister's decision was supported by all doctors, however, I have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22received copies from correspondence from GPs from Pembrokeshire stating
1:13:23 > 1:13:22otherwise. Will you take this opportunity to explain for the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22record that the Minister's decision was not supported why all doctors in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that area? Not at all, I have the record here. It says that the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22decision was taken on the recommendation of doctors. Those who
1:13:23 > 1:13:22were on the panel, of course, and it goes on to say that it was the view
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of the doctors that the system must be changed and that is true.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Especially from the point of view of colleges and the doctors and that is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22a strong recommendation of doctors on the panel that change must
1:13:23 > 1:13:22happen. Nobody sensible argues that there should be two levels of units
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in different hospitals. The debate is regarding the location of that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22one unit and the members' argument is that it should be in by the Bush
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital. He knows well that his colleagues sitting next door to him
1:13:23 > 1:13:22has made that decision on the grounds of what is best in terms of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22securing a safe and sustainable service for the future. It is not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22honest or true to say that this has been a decision that is completely
1:13:23 > 1:13:22political. It is a decision that has been taken on the grounds of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22evidence that has come from doctors on the basis of what the colleges
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have said and on the recommendations emanating from a panel that looked
1:13:23 > 1:13:22at this and a totally neutrally objective manner. How the Minister
1:13:23 > 1:13:22could have come to another decision, I do not know, especially if you
1:13:23 > 1:13:22want to keep a safe and sustainable operating unit. In discussing the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22emergency care units, the health board quoted a document with the way
1:13:23 > 1:13:22ahead from the wild College of emergency health care that said to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have a 24 hour a day emergency unit which would have to be supported by
1:13:23 > 1:13:22seven special teams and amongst those as paediatrics. Paediatrics is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22already intended to be cut from 24 hours at day to 12 hours a day at
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Withybush Hospital. There you truly believe and argue of the opinion
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that a 24 hour emergency unit will continue in Withybush Hospital? I
1:13:23 > 1:13:22cannot go any further than my earlier answer and that is what the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22health board has told us and that is that they want to ensure that there
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is a 24 hour service available and the hospital and that is in an
1:13:23 > 1:13:22emergency service. What discussions has the First Minister had with the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister for Health and Social Services in relations to the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan? The Mr has advised me that the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22consultation has closed and his intention to publish the final plan
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in April. White back -- I am deeper concerned about the lack of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22community-based rehab service for brain injured patients in Gwent. I
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have several constituents affected eye this alarming lack of revision.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22While I am pleased that the health board plan to establish a local
1:13:23 > 1:13:22service, detailed plans have been a place for awhile and progress
1:13:23 > 1:13:22appears to be painfully slow. I am sure you can understand what a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22difference this multi-agency support can make to patients with brain
1:13:23 > 1:13:22injuries. Will you look this issue is that when this issue with a view
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to urgently ending this serious inequity in provision affecting my
1:13:23 > 1:13:22constituents rose-mac clearly, it is unacceptable. I had to stand that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you have corresponded with the executive on this matter and he has
1:13:23 > 1:13:22said it is the plan to improve the provision of services. Thank you. I
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have to practise throwing my voice from my new position! First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister, the Neurological Conditions Delivery Plan was
1:13:23 > 1:13:22launched last year to help people with neurological conditions. The
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Chief Executive of the NHS in Wales has said it is not going to work
1:13:23 > 1:13:22unless local Governor and the voluntary sector all work together
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that right local gum and -- local gum and. What are you doing to make
1:13:23 > 1:13:22sure these different factors are coming together to proceed this
1:13:23 > 1:13:22important plan? I am tempted to say I will text the answer to the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22member! What I will afford him greater courtesy and say the plan is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22designed to ensure that all the relevant bodies work together in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22order to ensure the plan is delivered properly. That is why the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22plan is in place. Trans -- First Minister, in some areas, there is no
1:13:23 > 1:13:22epilepsy specialist nurse service available and Hywel Dda is one of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22those areas. There is funding to bring development for an epilepsy
1:13:23 > 1:13:22nurse in the West Wales area. Do you agree with me that for special
1:13:23 > 1:13:22conditions such as this, it is important that there is specialist
1:13:23 > 1:13:22services are available for people, wherever they may live in Wales?
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Well, in terms of how that is practically delivered, we want to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22ensure there are adequate numbers of nurses with that specialism
1:13:23 > 1:13:22available so that people can access the treatment they need, but we do
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have to bear in mind and consider how many are available, to consider
1:13:23 > 1:13:22how many will be needed for the future, and the financial situation.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22In saying that, no one would argue against a case which states that we
1:13:23 > 1:13:22must ensure there are adequate numbers available. Thank you. First
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Minister, there was a great deal of celebrating when the national
1:13:23 > 1:13:22directive on epilepsy was launched. New guidelines have been issued
1:13:23 > 1:13:22since 2012. But there has been no update and there is quite a bit of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22criticism about how effective the health boards have been in implement
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in the guidelines. Will epilepsy be included within the neurological
1:13:23 > 1:13:22plan, or will you as a government ups -- update the epilepsy
1:13:23 > 1:13:22guidelines was Mac AI to the Minister that this is a crucially
1:13:23 > 1:13:22important question. It is a question that was... As was the question
1:13:23 > 1:13:22asked by the member for Ceredigion. Will the First Minister make a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22statement on the effects that recent severe weather conditions have had
1:13:23 > 1:13:22on communities in Wales? Are responding agencies have worked hard
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to reduce the impact of the recent severe weather. I would like to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22express sympathy to the communities and the individuals who have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22experienced the full force of the recent storms. But nevertheless,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22given the difficulty surrounding the weather and the sheer force of the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22weather, I believe we managed to deal with it as efficiently as
1:13:23 > 1:13:22possible. I appreciate your answer. But those communities in Wales who
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have been affected, particularly by the loss of our, to thousands of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22homes and businesses, what they want to know is, what support they will
1:13:23 > 1:13:22be getting. Can I ask what your government is doing to help secure
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that support? What discussions have you had with energy companies about
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the potential bill reductions to properties that have been affected
1:13:23 > 1:13:22rose-mac has examined the package of business rate reduction for those
1:13:23 > 1:13:22businesses that have been significantly affected by the impact
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of the weather? Local authorities are able to approach the Welsh
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Government in order to receive extra funding with regard to the weather.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Of course, we are in the position that we invested in our flood
1:13:23 > 1:13:22defences, whereas we saw a 20% cut in England and we saw what the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22result of that was. I am sure the Welsh people appreciate the fact we
1:13:23 > 1:13:22have not seen the level of flooding that some in England have had,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22despite the weather being exactly the same. At one point on Wednesday
1:13:23 > 1:13:22last week, 100,000 homes were without power, that situation was
1:13:23 > 1:13:22rectified very quickly and I would like to pay tribute to the power
1:13:23 > 1:13:22companies for making sure that people were not left without power
1:13:23 > 1:13:22for many days, and for ensuring people were not left in flood water
1:13:23 > 1:13:22for many weeks. Thank you. Last week, I visited a farmer in the Vale
1:13:23 > 1:13:22of Clwyd, who has cleared thousands of tonnes of fallen trees, branches
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and material from the flood plain. You will be aware that there are
1:13:23 > 1:13:22limitations on the river and the bridge because of damage that has
1:13:23 > 1:13:22been caused by these materials being caught under the bridge, the same is
1:13:23 > 1:13:22true on -- of Saint Asaph. I raised the issue of doing more to allow
1:13:23 > 1:13:22farmers to tackle some of these problems that cause damage to our
1:13:23 > 1:13:22infrastructure. Can he commit other Government will move swiftly as
1:13:23 > 1:13:22possible to develop plans to avoid this can damage in the future?
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Farmers do have a key role in ensuring that Lloyds do not occur,
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and you were talking -- floods, about the fact that discussion took
1:13:23 > 1:13:22place with the Minister. I am sure the Minister will ensure that if
1:13:23 > 1:13:22there is any more help we can give to farmers, it will be available as
1:13:23 > 1:13:22soon as possible. Will he establish a full public enquiry into care
1:13:23 > 1:13:22standards at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Hospital? What I can say
1:13:23 > 1:13:22to the member is that a number of steps have been taken to meet the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns that have been expressed. An external team is reviewing the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22quality and safety of the Princess of Wales Hospital. There is a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22quality and safety steering group. The board has announced a series of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns -- a series of clinics for patients and relatives to discuss
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the issues with members of staff. Nurse staffing levels on medical
1:13:23 > 1:13:22wards have increased. New clinical and executive managerial
1:13:23 > 1:13:22arrangements are in place at the Princess of Wales Hospital, and of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22course, there has been put in place a review into hospitals in the local
1:13:23 > 1:13:22health board area. They were announced by the Minister for health
1:13:23 > 1:13:22last year. So, a number of actions have been put in place in order to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22deal with people's concerns and it is important that what has been put
1:13:23 > 1:13:22in place has an opportunity to report back to the Minister and to
1:13:23 > 1:13:22identify any problems. Thank you for that answer. But it is still plain
1:13:23 > 1:13:22that neither of those families who have recently come forward, nor
1:13:23 > 1:13:22those who continue to fight for answers, Dutch as the parents of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Robbie Powell, are happy with the solutions offered saw far stop if
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the health service is about caring for patients and ensuring their
1:13:23 > 1:13:22families are happy about their care, that is an apparent issue. You said
1:13:23 > 1:13:22last week that people are calling for public enquiries at the drop of
1:13:23 > 1:13:22a hat and I believe this is insulting to the families who have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22lost people. Many of those you have commissioned may become more costly
1:13:23 > 1:13:22than a public enquiry. So therefore, do you not believe that the cry from
1:13:23 > 1:13:22the parents, the families of patients, is not worthy enough for
1:13:23 > 1:13:22you as a government to enact upon the demand and have a full public
1:13:23 > 1:13:22enquiry? I said you were calling for a public enquiry at the drop of a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hat. The member mentions the case of Robbie Powell, that is a case that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22has been well aired in this chamber. It is a tragic case. He and his
1:13:23 > 1:13:22family were treated appallingly. We understand there was an
1:13:23 > 1:13:22investigation that took place. A number of events occurred which made
1:13:23 > 1:13:22it difficult for Mr Powell and his family. I spoke to the GMC and the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22police and the CPS. I initiated the investigation and there was an
1:13:23 > 1:13:22apology, rightly so. It is by difficult to know what else can be
1:13:23 > 1:13:22done, although Mr Powell quite rightly is angry and upset about the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22loss of his son. I understand that. But I have to say, many people who
1:13:23 > 1:13:22were at the meeting, I have been dealing with for some years. I have
1:13:23 > 1:13:22done the work in terms of dealing with them and listening to their
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns, in terms of taking those concerns for word. She only became
1:13:23 > 1:13:22interested a fortnight ago when she went to the meeting. There are some
1:13:23 > 1:13:22members who do hard work and there are some who will jump on a
1:13:23 > 1:13:22bandwagon. First Minister, I find myself agreeing with Bethan
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Jenkins's request for a full public enquiry into care standards.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Following on from that, I want to reiterate our request for a keyhole
1:13:23 > 1:13:22style NHS enquiry in Wales, which would the cup this is effect
1:13:23 > 1:13:22concerns of constituents. -- which would pick-up. So we have called for
1:13:23 > 1:13:22it. But it will save lives and improve our NHS. Why will you not
1:13:23 > 1:13:22agree to it and clear the air once and for all? Sorry, I thought that
1:13:23 > 1:13:22was a resignation speech! There is no need for that style of enquiry.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22That is a politically driven matter, as he knows. It is a shame that he
1:13:23 > 1:13:22and other members did not take an interest in many of the people in
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Bridgend who had their concerns aired, and they did not take an
1:13:23 > 1:13:22interest before the meeting took place. And so, my concern as
1:13:23 > 1:13:22somebody in his constituency the Princess of Wales Hospital is, as
1:13:23 > 1:13:22someone who lives in Bridgend, is to make sure that what happened at the
1:13:23 > 1:13:22hospital is thoroughly investigated in order to ensure that public
1:13:23 > 1:13:22confidence is there in the future. From that, we will not shy away. It
1:13:23 > 1:13:22is important that what has been put in place is able to report back, and
1:13:23 > 1:13:22then it will be possible for the Government to decide what happens
1:13:23 > 1:13:22next. Restoring public confidence will be ordered for many of us who
1:13:23 > 1:13:22live in that town, even when other members have moved onto issues.
1:13:23 > 1:13:22We will have to leave First Minister's Questions there, but you
1:13:23 > 1:13:22can see more coverage of the National Assembly online from ABC
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Wales's democracy life page at bbc.co.uk/walespolitics. -- BBC
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Wales. That's it for today. The Assembly is in recess next week, so
1:13:23 > 1:13:22there's no First Minister's Questions. But if you want more
1:13:23 > 1:13:22Welsh politics before then, don't forget Y Sgwrs on S4C at 9:30pm
1:13:23 > 1:13:22tomorrow evening. As for today though, from all of us on the
1:13:23 > 1:13:23programme, goodbye.