£50m Investment For NHS Wales to Tackle Winter Pressures

The Welsh NHS is to be given an extra £50m to help tackle winter pressures.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced that NHS in Wales will receive £50m to sustain and improve performance during the busy winter period.

However the public are also being urged to only use emergency services when necessary.

The Health Secretary made the announcement at the the Head of NHS Wales Dr Andrew Goodall called on everyone to choose the right service to save time and free up busy emergency services.

Mr Gething said: “The NHS will receive £50m this year to sustain performance and meet the increased demand placed on services going into the winter period. We are investing in the NHS, but everyone in Wales can play their part by choosing well.”

Earlier this year it was announced that January 2016 saw emergency departments across Wales experience their busiest month since records began – with an average of 2,595 people attending the service each day throughout the month.

The increased investment has been welcomed by Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, who said: “Demand on healthcare services tends to increase in winter months so this additional £50m will help sustain and improve performance of NHS Wales during the busy period.

“It is vital residents choose the right services as this will help save time and ensure the emergency services care for those with the greatest need.”

For non-life threatening conditions, NHS Direct Wales can be contacted on 0845 46 47 or at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk. The service can also help to locate the nearest pharmacist or most appropriate service.

More information about how to choose the right NHS Wales service if you become ill or are injured can be found on the Choose Well Wales website.