A BELEAGERED Welsh government’s handling of the NHS has been hit by angry nursing leaders and a sharply critical Senedd committee report. 

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales yesterday urged the Welsh government to take decisive steps to eradicate corridor care, pause hospital bed reductions and review capacity to ensure adequate care in both community and hospital settings. 

RCN Wales’ Helen Whyley said: “Nurses are facing immense challenges in maintaining high standards of patient care amid the growing prevalence of corridor and chair care in hospitals. 

“Our recommendations provide a clear and achievable roadmap to ensure patients receive care in the right place, at the right time. We need the Welsh government to act now.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We do 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.”

A new report by the Senedd health committee, released today, warns that people living with long-term health conditions — such as diabetes, endometriosis, chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions — are not getting enough support from the NHS to manage their conditions and enjoy better health.

It calls on the Welsh government to refocus efforts on delivering person-centred care, with integrated services for people living with long-term health conditions. 

Health committee chairman Russell George said: “Despite repeated calls for action, and six years since the publication of the Healthier Wales plan, the Welsh government is still failing to provide the support people need to live well for longer.”

The committee’s report includes 21 recommendations and the Welsh government said it would respond in due course.