Extra Funding for Welsh NHS as Residents are Reminded to ‘Choose Well’

An additional £10m will help alleviate pressures on health services during the busy winter period.

The Welsh Labour Government funding boost, which has been welcomed by Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, will be used to support health boards, the ambulance service and social care services across Wales treat and care for the increase in people using services at this time of year.

Residents are also being reminded to play their part in helping the NHS by choosing the appropriate service they need.  The Welsh Government’s Choose Well campaign encourages people to think and pick the right health services for their illness or injury.  This includes using the local pharmacist if they are worried about common health problems such as colds, upset stomachs or headaches.

During the busy winter period concerns remain that people are still opting to call 999 or visiting Emergency Departments for minor ailments.  Primary Care and Accident and Emergency (A&E) services across Wales are currently extremely busy, with the ambulance service reporting increases of up to 50% in life threatening incidents when compared to last year at times over Christmas.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “In spite of Tory UK Government cuts to its budget, the Welsh Government is continuing to increase investment in health and social care services across the country.  This extra funding is on top of the additional £550m outlined over the next two years for NHS Wales following the Final Budget announcement last month.”

“Our dedicated, hardworking frontline NHS staff perform admirably day in day out but it is important people remember the part they can play in supporting health services.  Choosing well ensures people get the treatment they need in the shortest possible time and reduces pressure on essential NHS services.”

People can visit the Choose Well website for more information about the options available.