MS for North Wales shares thoughts on health and transport
Speaking in the Debate on Allied Health Professionals, I emphasised the key role they have to play in improving the health and wellbeing of the population in Wales, and said 'As the Allied Health Professions Federation Cymru Manifesto 2026 states, the vital contributions of Allied Health Professionals to population health and wellbeing are too often overlooked.
As demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the need for them has never been more urgent.
Without a coordinated National Workforce Strategy, these professions risk becoming unsustainable, leading to unsafe staffing levels and preventable harm to patients'.
Questioning the First Minister, I noted that the Welsh Government's 'Network North Wales' Transport Plan, announced last month, has also been described by them as a 'vision', which 'is only hoping that something will happen', and asked, 'What specific commitment, including funding, are you therefore able to announce now, or would the people of North Wales be right to consider this an un-resourced, pre-election sweetener?'
Leading the Debate on the Senedd Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee's report on 'Public Appointments', I said the response from the Welsh Government 'is of serious concern, given there is no indication whether any of our recommendations have been accepted, rejected, or even accepted in principle or part'.
Questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, I raised concerns that there is no obligation to implement SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) Management Plans in Wales.
Engagements included Policy Briefing by Disability Wales about the Welsh Government's proposed 10-year Disabled People's Rights Plan, which I sponsored; Reserves Day Employer Reception; Wales Young Farmers' Clubs; Tenovus Cancer Care; and British Veterinary Association Welsh Dinner.
I Chaired the Cross-Party Group for North Wales and, as Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency, had a catch-up meeting with the Group's Secretariat from National Energy Action Cymru.
My other meetings included Cross-Party Group on Older People and Ageing, Nuclear Energy Senedd Cross-Party Group, and a visiting group of recent Canadian graduates who have spent the last year interning in the Ontario provincial Parliament.
I also visited St. David's Catholic Primary School in Mold, which is facing threatened closure, learning more about its excellent and cost-effective provision, the wellbeing it provides for pupils and staff, and the current and future need for the school in the area; and met the Chief Executive of threatened North Wales charity Anheddau, which provides 24 hours supported living to 140 adults with learning disabilities.
For help, email Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 7219.
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