MS for Delyn reflects on Betsi Cadwaladr's annual report
This week in the Senedd, I asked the Senedd Commission – the body that looks after the day-to-day running of our Welsh Parliament – what consideration has been given to improving the online accessibility and visibility of information about the work of the Senedd in order to support greater public engagement across Wales.
It's vital that the people of Wales feel fully engaged in the work of the Senedd and in devolution itself, especially during times like these where misinformation is often circulating on social media – this issue was raised by a constituent who explained how hard it can be to find key info like how votes happen or how to get involved.
With the seventh sitting of the Senedd on the horizon after the election in 2026, there's a real opportunity to make the website clearer, more accessible and more engaging for people across Wales.
I'm pleased to hear that a review is under way, but I've asked for more detail on how this will be delivered in time for the next Senedd.
Closer to home, it was a busy weekend starting with a colourful community celebration to mark the transformative redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd on Saturday morning.
The carnival-inspired performance featured a number of the community groups and ensembles that make up our theatre community and was a fitting way to recognise the significance of Theatr Clwyd to our corner of the country.
Like many in our area, I've grown up with the theatre on my doorstep, it was where I went as a child and what helped me on my journey to university.
The £50m development includes £26.5m of funding from the Welsh Government, something which I am proud to have played a part in securing for our theatre for generations to come.
The carnival atmosphere continued on Sunday, as it was time once again for the annual Mold Carnival.
The wet weather definitely didn't dampen spirits and the parade wound its way through the town, led by the brilliant Cambria Band.
There was then an afternoon of entertainment, stalls and activities at Kendrick's Fields and Maes Bodlonfa Park.
The extravaganza is made possible thanks to an organising team of just eight people, then joined with an army of wonderful volunteers on the day itself – I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their efforts and for enabling another excellent event.
Last week Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) published its annual report and among the highlights in the report were how the board managed to reduce its overspend by £16.7m last year and that it is now the second best health board in Wales for the percentage of GP surgeries that achieved the National Access Standards for in-hours medical services – the report said that 99% of GPs met the required standard for high-quality care, timely access to services and fair access for all patients.
While this is good news, it's clear that a lot more needs to be done for the health service here and it was also good to hear the Cabinet Secretary announce last week an investment of £9.49m in two new linear accelerators at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to replace ageing equipment – a real boost for radiotherapy treatment in North Wales.
As June came to a close, I had the opportunity to attend the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno, a chance to not only catch up with the sort of issues people are talking about but also to really show off North Wales to people from across the country.
While there, I was pleased to speak at the Women's Welcome Reception where I shared my personal journey to help support and encourage other women across our movement.
I also took part in a World Wildlife Fund Cymru fringe event which shared the organisation's polling insights ahead of next year's Senedd elections – thank you, too, to all the individuals and organisations that took the time to talk, including the RSPCA, Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer's Society, Breast Cancer Now and Marie Curie Cymru. Diolch am eich amser!
Finally, the Women's Euros kicked off last week as Cymru took on the Netherlands on Saturday.
It's a tough group Wales Women have found themselves in – every other team in the group have won the tournament before – but I know we will all be behind our Welsh women as they make history playing in their first ever major tournament.
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.
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