In the 12 months since Welsh Conservatives first called for a Keogh-style inquiry into standards of care, little has improved in the Welsh NHS and mortality figures remain a cause for huge concern.

That's the message from Welsh Conservative Deputy Leader, Paul Davies AM, while questioning Labour's First Minister in the Senedd.

Carwyn Jones continues to deny the need for a public inquiry. This is despite:

• 14 out of 18 hospitals having higher than average death rates (RAMI)
• One in seven remaining on an NHS waiting list
• More people than ever waiting more than nine months for treatment
• While NHS England meets its 18 week treatment target, NHS Wales continues to miss its 26 and 36 week targets
• 31.4 per cent of patients waiting longer than the target eight weeks for diagnostic services

Today – when asked in the Senedd - Mr Jones was unable to provide the correct mortality figures for a hospital within his own constituency, the Princess of Wales.

Senior Labour MP Ann Clwyd is due to give evidence to the Assembly's health committee tomorrow, following two previous attempts to block her invitation by Labour Assembly Members, who voted against her appearance.

When questioned in the Senedd this afternoon, Labour's First Minister could only say 'we will have to see what she says'.

Mrs Clwyd has previously echoed Welsh Conservative calls for a fuller inquiry into the Welsh NHS - and raised serious concerns over standards of care.

Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies AM, said:

"It speaks volumes that Labour's first minister was unable to provide mortality stats for a hospital within his own constituency.

"With 14 out of 18 Welsh hospitals home to higher than average death rates – including Bridgend's Princess of Wales – it's about time Carwyn Jones gave this issue the priority it deserves.

"Serious concerns over standards of care continue right across Wales – and waiting time delays are at their longest ever.

"As evidence continues to mount –now is the time for a Keogh-style inquiry. This is the only way to safeguard our Labour-run NHS for the future – and restore lost faith.

"Welsh Conservatives welcome the First Minister's commitment to listen to Ann Clwyd's evidence this week. It's time Mrs Clwyd was given the respect she deserves by her party colleagues."