Health questions

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths denied intention to "downgrade" any hospital services across Wales.

The minister was answering members questions during plenary, on 27 June 2012.

In her response to a question from Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins on Neath Port Talbot NHS services, Ms Griffiths said that she had no intention to downgrade services.

However according to a letter from the chief executive of Neath Port Talbot health board, sent to Ms Jenkins, "changes to bed configuration were being proposed".

The health minister admitted that services were "going to change" in order for improvements to take place.

Ms Griffiths said: "We are all going to have to accept changes."

The minister added: "By downgrading, I mean I don't want services getting worse, I want to see services getting better."

Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas also raised his concerns with regards to the developments of safeguarding children in Pembrokeshire Council.

The Welsh government sent a panel of experts into Pembrokeshire last year after serious problems were highlighted in protecting children from abuse.

During plenary Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas said the government was taking further legal advice relating to safeguarding children in Pembrokeshire and was currently "considering further action".

The health minister also answered questions on the government's cancer delivery plan, autism services and IVF treatments in Wales.