New committees were established in the Welsh Parliament following the election in May 2026. The Health and Social Care Committee's was set up to examine legislation and hold the Welsh Government to account by scrutinising its expenditure, administration and policy matters, encompassing (but not restricted to): the physical, mental and public health and well-being of the people of Wales, including the social care system.
The Committee launched a consultation on its priorities in July 2026. The evidence received will inform its strategic planning and forward work programme.
Our response
In our response, RCPCH Wales:
- called on the Committee to conduct an inquiry into the health of babies, children and young people, focusing particularly on access to services, workforce capacity and persistent health inequalities.
- urged the Committee to ensure the voices of children, young people and child health professionals are heard throughout its work, and to work with the Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee where opportunities exist to improve child health outcomes.
- highlighted findings from our State of Child Health 2026 report, which show that child health outcomes in Wales have worsened or stalled across almost all key indicators, with widening inequalities, gaps in data and workforce underinvestment contributing to poorer outcomes.
- called for greater scrutiny of access to children’s health services and waiting times, with more than 53,000 open pathways for children under 18, including thousands waiting more than a year.
- welcomed the Welsh Government's commitment to introduce a Children’s Health Plan and encouraged the Committee to scrutinise the timetable and delivery of this commitment.
We respond to a wide range of consultations to ensure that the College’s position, and ultimately children’s health, is represented. Members can get involved in current consultations in Wales by contacting enquiries-wales@rcpch.ac.uk.