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COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on service delivery

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, responds to the latest review of Coronavirus restrictions in Wales.

17 September 2021

Responding to the latest review of Coronavirus restrictions in Wales, Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation said:

“There’s no doubt that Coronavirus continues to have a significant impact on the delivery of health and care services across Wales.

“Over the last month or so, cases have risen in our communities. This has compounded existing pressures on services, meaning some difficult decisions have had to be made.

“Nobody wants to go backwards and to reintroduce restrictions, which is why we all need to redouble our efforts to both reduce the spread of the virus and help alleviate demand on the NHS where we can.

“Unless you’re in a life-threatening situation, please use services such as community pharmacies, minor injury units or NHS 111 online as a first port of call. This will mean you should get treated more quickly and effectively than if you attend your local A&E department.

“Staff are doing all they can to continue delivering care for those who need it most and are exhausted after a challenging 18 months. We thank them and the public for doing all they can to support the fight against this virus.”