Our NHS workforce is the beating heart of healthcare here in Wales – there would not be a service if it weren’t for their hard work and dedication, day in, day out. That’s why it’s so important that the Welsh Government remains committed to investing in training and education, in order to support the next generation of nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals. Regular readers will already know that there’s a consultation open until January looking at the future of the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, which covers tuition fees and provides living cost support for health professionals with a guaranteed job in our NHS after qualifying – to take part, go to www.gov.wales/considering-future-options-nhs-wales-bursary-scheme.

In the Senedd recently, I raised how lived experience from patients and the workforce can help shape better NHS services and create positive workplaces where staff are supported and treated with dignity. I wanted to highlight that listening to those on the frontline isn’t just about improving services for patients, it’s also about valuing and supporting the people who deliver them every day. Our NHS can only thrive when its workforce does too – it’s vital that we keep listening and learning from those in frontline services and across our NHS. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

Last week, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care also announced further support for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). Despite signs of improvement, BCUHB has faced significant and persistent challenges in delivering safe, timely and effective care, particularly in relation to planned care, cancer and urgent and emergency services – a report published in October highlighted improvements, but there’s more work to be done. That’s why the Welsh Government has provided a team of experts which will include an improvement director, who will work alongside the health board’s chief executive and board to drive rapid improvements in key service areas. I’ll be keeping a close eye on BCUHB’s progress and keep readers updated.

In the Senedd last week, I asked the Welsh Government for an update on the impact the implementation of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 has had on procurement in Welsh public services. This significant legislation, which I helped to bring in as a minister, is instrumental in enhancing the wellbeing of the people of Wales by improving public services through social partnership working, promoting fair work and using the power of the public purse to engage in socially-responsible procurement. Earlier in the week, I had the chance to fly the flag for our Welsh way of working at the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly in London during a session on trade, supply chain and workers’ rights.

Regular readers will know I’m always keen to champion local food producers in our corner of North East Wales, so it was good to hear the Welsh Government announce £2m of funding for Local Food Partnerships last week, such as Good Food Flintshire, which works in conjunction with Flintshire County Council to help alleviate food poverty. Local Food Partnerships bring together farmers, community organisations, public bodies and businesses to build resilient food systems and help tackle social, economic and environmental issues, working together to ensure good food for all. Our communities will benefit from stronger and more sustainable local food networks and Good Food Flintshire supports our local producers, tackling food poverty and promoting healthier food choices.

In the Senedd recently, I hosted an event entitled Wood Security and the Growth of Wood Dependent Industries in Wales. Building a stronger, circular economy means making better use of what we already have from reusing Welsh wood to re-planting and ensuring waste is a last resort – Wales’ circular economy is something I was keen to promote when I first became Minister for Environment in 2017 and it’s good to see that work continuing in government. With demand for timber-framed homes rising, supporting sustainable forestry and wood-based manufacturing can help us to meet housing needs, cut carbon and create local jobs. It’s about using our natural resources responsibly while building homes for our communities and encouraging Wales to be globally competitive and building a greener future.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.