Hefin David MS: “GPs are keen to start seeing more people face-to-face”

Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

June has been a very busy month for me, catching up following the election in May.

I thought I would take this opportunity to give you an idea of the kind of things I can help with, by sharing some of the things I have been doing over the last few weeks.

Health

During early June I met with the Health Board to discuss GP services. They told me that GPs are keen to start seeing more people face-to-face. 

Although face-to-face appointments are based on a clinical judgement by the doctor, they are keen to see people in person wherever possible, to avoid delaying treatment that could have been provided earlier. 

GPs are only advised to conduct virtual appointments if they would be able to give the same service as they would face-to-face.

If you are having issues in getting face-to-face appointments, I can take this up with the health board on your behalf.

Communities

This month I have met with residents of Cwm Calon, to continue our work on estate management charges. 

I also met recently with residents of Hendredenny, who have concerns about the nearby housing development. I have since arranged a further meeting on site with the developer, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Water to discuss further.

I have put in written objections to local planning issues relating to the Old Police Station development, a proposed HMO property on Van Road and Gelliargwellt Farm.

Transport

I met with Transport for Wales last week to discuss several transport related issues. They told me that they are currently running a pilot flexi bus service in Newport. This is an option being considered for Caerphilly, as transport for The Grange hospital.

We also discussed the issues surrounding Shingrig Road bridge in Nelson, which is causing some traffic issues through Penybryn and Gelligaer.

Transport for Wales told me that a weight restriction has been implemented on the bridge, whilst they carry out their investigations because of some safety concerns.

They aim to remove these restrictions as soon as they are confident it is safe to do so.

Senedd work

I recently formed a cross-party group on Long Covid and we met virtually. This meeting was attended by Health Minister Eluned Morgan and was a good start to acknowledging the problems Long Covid brings and how we can better support those who suffer with it.

This week in the Senedd I asked the First Minister about digital vaccination status in Wales. You can see my question and the First Minister’s response here: fb.watch/v/3zeFrQqot/

I have arranged a meeting with Government Ministers to discuss the plans for a green belt between Caerphilly and Cardiff, as well as the Caerphilly Local Development Plan.

Tourism

This week I will be visiting some of Caerphilly’s best tourism spots, in a bid to encourage people to ‘holiday at home’ this summer. Keep an eye on my Facebook page here for the video coming soon: www.facebook.com/hefindavidms

If you have an issue you think I may be able to help with, please get in touch by emailing: Hefin.David@senedd.wales