A wnaiff y Gweinidog gadarnhau a fydd pobl yng Nghymru sy'n byw gyda phoen yn aelodau o'r grŵp gweithredu a nodir yn y ddogfen "Byw â Phoen Ddi-baid"?
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting people living with persistent pain. As you are aware, the Welsh Government published Living with Persistent Pain in Wales guidance on 3 May: https://gov.wales/people-experiencing-persistent-pain-guidance.
Our consultations advise there are significant numbers of people living with these conditions. The Welsh Government does not hold information on actual cost or prevalence of persistent pain. In our guidance we reference the figures presented by the Welsh Pain Society (11%-20%) which aligned to the numbers presented to us at consultation. However, work is being undertaken to roll-out the use of standardised clinical terminology (SNOMED-CT) across the NHS which in turn will help provide figures relating to those being treated within primary and secondary care services. I shall also instruct the new implementation group to consider data as an area of importance.
To develop this guidance further a steering group was established which included members from the third sector, health care professionals and people living with pain. Welsh Government officials are currently organising an extraordinary meeting with steering group members to obtain advice on the membership and purpose of the implementation group going forward. My officials have developed a proposal regarding the remit and membership, but I am mindful that any progress is made co-productively and includes all parties, especially those living with persistent pain. Due to the availability of members this is likely to take place in August or September 2019.
Membership of the implementation group will be finalised following this meeting. We plan to ensure people living with persistent pain are involved in any subsequent work in this area wherever appropriate.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer wrote to Health Boards on 20 May impressing the importance of the actions within the guidance. Once the Health Boards have had an opportunity to consider the document and review their services, the Welsh Government will seek assurances against these actions.