Written question WQ95615

The Welsh Government does not endorse the routine care or treatment of individuals in non-clinical or unsuitable environments, nor any situations where the quality of care, privacy, or dignity of patients is compromised.

However, there are occasions when the NHS faces exceptional pressures, such as during periods of increased demand, public health emergencies, or challenges related to system capacity. These pressures, which are not unique to Wales, can sometimes result in people experiencing extended waits in emergency departments, medical assessment units, or similar settings while awaiting admission to a hospital bed.

We are committed to working with the NHS to address the challenges of overcrowding across the NHS, including investing £27m this year in joint improvement plans between health boards and local authorities.

Other measures include:

• The Six Goals for Emergency Care programme, which is focused on providing the right care, in the right place, first time. It includes investments in enhanced community care services, virtual wards, urgent community response, and integrated care pathways to reduce hospital admissions and improve patient flow.

• Improving Patient Flow: More than £140m has been made available for Regional Partnership Boards to integrate health and social care services, and an additional £10m to increase community nursing hours and enhance community care services.

• Operational Escalation Policy: A revised framework supports health boards and the ambulance service to manage pressures through a system-wide response, minimising emergency department overcrowding.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Daily system calls and reviews of ward establishments, including surge capacities ensure timely, dignified care in appropriate settings.