THE director of the Welsh NHS Confederation has warned that Covid-19 is continuing to have a 'monumental impact' on the delivery of health and care services across Wales.

The Welsh NHS Confederation is the national membership body representing all the organisations that make up the NHS in Wales: the seven Local Health Boards, the three NHS Trusts, Digital Health and Care Wales, and Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Its director, Darren Hughes, says the impact Covid-19 is still having on health and care services across Wales is 'monumental'.

Mr Hughes added that there are 'many factors at play' and that everyone must do 'all they can' to care for themselves and their families ahead of what looks like being a very difficult winter in Wales.

He added: "Covid-19 continues to have a monumental impact on the delivery of health and care services across Wales – as the prevalence of Coronavirus in our communities rises, this greatly reduces the NHS’ capacity to treat people. We need everyone to do all they can to care for themselves and their families.

"There are many factors at play; from staff absences because of Covid, or suspected Covid, more people on wards and in intensive care units needing treatment for Covid and so on. The social care system is also under unprecedented pressure, meaning the NHS is unable to discharge patients and therefore has much lower capacity to treat others, including those who may have been waiting for treatment for a long time.

"It’s important everyone does what they can to help this winter by looking after themselves, their friends and family, getting the flu jab and Covid booster when offered and using pharmacies and the NHS 111 online service for non-urgent healthcare.

"We also urge the public to take precautions where possible, such as wearing a face covering indoors in public places as well as staying at home and getting a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms.”