£800m stabilisation package for Welsh NHS

Welsh Ministers have announced a new £800 million stabilisation package to help the Welsh NHS to continue to respond to and recover from the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The £800m fund, which takes the total amount of Welsh Government coronavirus support for NHS organisations to more than £1.3 billion, will support NHS organisations across Wales to prepare for the anticipated challenges that winter will bring – responding to a potential second wave of the virus, alongside normal winter pressures - whilst continuing to further increase access to essential services.

Plans for the new funding include a strategic approach to the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for both the health and social care sectors, so that an appropriate ‘buffer’ of supplies can be established to respond to any second wave of infections. The new funding will also help deliver Wales’ largest ever flu campaign, announced last month, which will ensure more people than ever will benefit from the free flu vaccine programme in preparation for winter.

Health and Social Services Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Our health and social care services have faced unparalleled pressures in the fight against Covid-19. It is a testament to our dedicated NHS staff that Wales’ patients have continued to receive compassionate and professional care during this pandemic. Whilst our services rigorously prepare every year for winter pressures, 2020 may be unlike any other. This £800 million package will help with many aspects as we move into the next phase of the virus such as PPE supplies, testing and an ambitious flu vaccination programme.”

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We understand the growing financial pressures and challenges being faced across the public sector and we are doing all we can to alleviate these. I am confident that today’s announcement will provide our NHS with the stability it needs to respond to the pandemic. We are also continuing to work with local authorities to understand the considerable pressures they are facing and their priorities so that we can provide them with further support.”