Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services
In Wales we expect health boards work together to deliver services for their populations. I want to ensure that Hywel Dda University Health Board and Swansea Bay University Health Board have the appropriate arrangements in place to plan and deliver healthcare services on a regional basis where appropriate to do so. I will, therefore, be using my powers in accordance with Section 12(3) of the National Health Services (Wales) Act 2006 to direct both health boards to establish a Joint Committee. This will be of utmost importance to ensure the continued safety, quality and ongoing viability and sustainability of these services.
I, together with the Director General of Health and Social Services/NHS Wales Chief Executive, have written to the Chairs and Chief Executives of the health boards advising them of my intention. My officials will be working with both health boards over the coming weeks to determine the membership and constitution of the new Joint Committee, together with ensuring their 3-year plans are sufficiently ambitious in their commitment to working regionally, with key deliverables identified.
Both health boards will be held to account for the delivery of these plans via the Quality, Performance and Delivery Framework and the NHS Wales Oversight and Escalation Framework.