Welsh NHS leaders welcome extension of testing amid recovery efforts

Responding to Welsh Government’s extension of LFD testing in Wales, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes said:

“NHS leaders across Wales welcome the extension of access to free LFD testing for those with Covid symptoms. This will enable us to better protect staff and patients as the NHS continues its recovery efforts to treat people as soon as possible.

“This is of course in light of the rapid rise in Covid cases in our communities. Although the NHS is not seeing significant increases in those needing treatment for Covid, increased transmission has a huge impact on the delivery of care in hospitals and other settings, including on patients needing long overdue operations and those waiting to be discharged from hospital into social care settings.

“It’s important we continue to wear masks in healthcare settings and remain vigilant at a time when the NHS is doing everything it can to cope with high levels of incoming demand and the huge backlog of planned care. Leaders are already reporting increasing staff absences due to Covid, so we need to do everything we can, within reason, to stem transmission of the virus.

“We’d ask the public to take precautions where possible, including wearing face masks in health and care settings and staying home if they test positive, to protect the most vulnerable in our society. We’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their booster vaccine to please come forward by 30 June.”