'The hard work and dedication of our NHS and social care workers has helped us through this most difficult time'

MS for Wrexham

Plans have been set out by the Welsh Government outlining an initial £100m investment to help our health and social care services get back on their feet after the Covid-19 pandemic. The North Wales region will receive the largest proportion of funding from this latest package, with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board set to receive an extra £20m. The funding in North Wales will be used to ‘increase capacity in planned care, cancer, dental, diagnostics and endoscopy.’ This initial £100m investment allocated to our NHS is just the beginning, with the Welsh Government stating it will commit an extra £1 billion to support our nation’s recovery plan. Helping our health and social care services recover from the pandemic will be a priority for the Welsh Government over the next Senedd term and beyond. The hard work and dedication of our NHS and social care workers has helped us through this most difficult time and as we start to contemplate life post-pandemic, they must be provided with the support they need to help services recover.

Wales’ incredible vaccination rollout continues, with latest statistics revealing over three million doses have been delivered across the country. Considering the rollout only started six months ago, this is an outstanding achievement and everyone involved deserves our gratitude. In North Wales, more than 680,000 vaccines have been administered and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is on course to reach the target of offering vaccination to all remaining adults by the end of July. The North Wales Health Board is urging anyone aged 40 or over who has not yet been able to accept an appointment to contact them to arrange one – the Vaccination Contact Centre number is 03000 840004. Having corresponded with some local GP practices, I am concerned increasing numbers of people are missing their appointments. Although vaccinators can often call people at short notice to ensure nothing goes to waste, the extra admin and logistical challenges it creates for staff is most unwelcome. Looking beyond the summer, strategies are being discussed about how to deliver booster injections from as early as September. Betsi Cadwaladr is working with partners and talking about administering a Covid booster jab in conjunction with the flu jabs. Discussions will continue and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks and months.

If you live in the Wrexham constituency and there is an issue I could help you with, please get in touch by email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.