Additional expenditure has been imperative in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic
Responding to Audit Wales’ review of NHS annual budgets in Wales, Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation said:
“The last 15 months have been unprecedented, and the NHS in Wales has gone above and beyond to try and care for and protect the people of Wales in the most difficult of circumstances. At this stage, the true long-term financial cost of the Covid-19 pandemic on the NHS is still unknown.
“Additional financial support from Welsh Government during the pandemic has been welcomed by the NHS. This has allowed Health Boards and NHS Trusts to respond to the challenges facing the system in response to the pandemic, including caring for those critically ill with the virus.
“Unforeseen expenditure on key items such as PPE and delivering the Test Trace Protect programme have been vital in responding to the pandemic and keeping Wales safe. Despite overspend, there are largely positive signs of improvement in the financial position of Health Boards. However, we know there will be further financial challenges ahead whilst the NHS recovers and resumes many services, all whilst living alongside Coronavirus and trying to ensure staff and the public stay safe.”
