6. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID and Winter Pressures

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:22 pm on 20 September 2022.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 5:22, 20 September 2022

(Translated)

Thank you very much to the Minister. Thank you for the statement. In parliamentary terms, we're setting some sort of baseline today, I suppose. This statement comes at the very beginning of the term, at a time when we're in transition between summer and winter, or moving to summer pressures and winter pressures, because it has become more and more apparent that the NHS is unsustainable at all times of the year, and that the summer can be just as exceptional as the winter. I know from personal experience this summer what it's like to wait 10 hours for treatment in A&E. I can't criticise the staff, who were working so very hard and doing their very best, but it's not acceptable, and I thank and wish the committed staff across the NHS in Wales well, as they face the winter pressures.

Where are we today? Where is the Welsh NHS? We have a statement here that refers to an ongoing pandemic, of course, but where COVID pressures are reducing. The Minister said that we're in a stable position, but we do see an emerging picture of the threat that we face as COVID and flu and other respiratory viruses all come together. Additional guidance for the winter is being prepared, according to the Minister, and NHS institutions will need to ensure that robust and resilient plans are in place.