Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party has been governing the NHS in Wales for 25 years, with current waiting lists being significantly higher compared to those in England. The Welsh Government's First Minister suggested a plan to reduce waiting times.
What recent discussions have you had with the Welsh Government on NHS reform in Wales? Given that waiting lists are extremely high in Wales and despite their 25-year tenure, does the Secretary of State agree with Mr Mark Drakeford that fewer hospitals are needed in Wales?
There have been no plans by the Welsh Government to close hospitals. The Secretary of State dismissed criticisms from Conservatives and highlighted that their proposal to build 40 new hospitals in England was unrealistic, as neither the hospitals nor funding existed.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about fewer hospitals being needed in Wales was not directly answered.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There is ongoing collaboration between the UK and Welsh Governments to address health issues, including cutting waiting lists.
How are she and her colleagues working with the Welsh Government to improve health outcomes for people in Wales? What specific actions are being taken?
Collaboration is happening between both governments in a constructive manner, sharing best practices. A ministerial advisory group has been established by the Welsh Government to plan NHS reforms aimed at improving performance and reducing waiting lists, drawing on expertise from both Wales and England.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour party has been governing Wales for a long period with waiting lists consistently at record levels. The First Minister mentioned an unspecified funding injection to reduce these wait times.
Labour has run the NHS poorly in Wales since Tony Blair's time, with waiting times always high. Given that the Government cannot just devolve and forget, how proactive is the Wales Office being? People know someone suffering due to long waits. Can the Secretary of State clarify if there is a concrete plan for reducing these wait times or if it remains undefined?
The proposed £600 million investment in the Welsh NHS is conditional upon the Senedd voting for the budget. If this vote does not occur, the funds will not materialise.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of a concrete plan were not provided.
Conditional Statements
Response accuracy