What discussions has the Welsh Government had about the effect of hospital reorganisation in Shropshire on patients in Wales?
I welcome that a much needed decision has now been made on the NHS England Future Fit programme in Shropshire. This removes the uncertainty about the future of services which has been faced by people in Powys.
My officials are in regular communication with Powys Teaching Health Board to discuss the outcome of the process. The health board has already been working to consider the implications of the final decision and how to mitigate against the changes this will mean for planned care for patients in the region.
This will be through working with NHS partners in both England and Wales to strengthen the provision of planned care within the county, by providing more care closer to home and reducing the need to travel to neighbouring District General Hospitals.