Minister will look after well-being of population

THE Welsh Government yesterday announced it had appointed a cabinet minister to take responsibility for mental health and well-being through the coronavirus pandemic.

Eluned Morgan will assume ministerial responsibility for mental health services, dementia, autism, substance misuse, veterans’ health, patient experience and the obesity strategy in Wales.

She will be working alongside Health Minister Vaughan Gething, who will focus solely on Covid-19 and NHS performance and delivery.

Ms Morgan’s former brief of international relations will form part of First Minister Mark Drakeford’s portfolio of responsibilities.

“We have learned a lot from the first wave of coronavirus and the way both we and public services have responded to the virus,” Mr

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.