Second health minister appointed so that Gething can ‘focus’ on Covid-19 challenge

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a mini-reshuffle today, appointing Eluned Morgan to the post of Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language.

The appointment means that the government has two ministers focusing on health matters in the midst of the pandemic as Vaughan Gething retains the Health and Social Services brief.

He will focus on the government’s priorities of responding to coronavirus and NHS performance and delivery, they said.

Meanwhile, Morgan will take care of mental health services, dementia, autism, substance misuse, veterans’ health, patient experience and the obesity strategy.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the changes were being made so that Vaughan Gething can “focus all his time and efforts” on tackling Covid-19 during the difficult months ahead.

 

‘Wellbeing’

“We have learned a lot from the first wave of coronavirus and the way both we and public services have responded to the virus,” First Minister Mark Drakeford said.

“Once again, we are facing rising cases across the country and a difficult few months ahead.

“Vaughan has done an amazing job leading our health service’s response to the pandemic and will continue to take day-to-day charge of that response.

“The changes I am making to my Cabinet team will mean he can focus all his time and effort on coronavirus and ensuring our NHS is able to treat people with the virus as well as respond to the population’s wider health needs.

“Eluned has a strong track record in government and will bring all that experience to safeguarding and promoting the wider wellbeing of people in Wales.”

Julie Morgan will continue in her role as Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

The international relations brief, including the Wales and Africa programme, will form part of the First Minister’s portfolio of responsibilities.