I have recently approved the award of £220 million of capital funding for phase 2 of the refurbishment programme of Prince Charles Hospital. This investment will both enhance patient care and the working environment at the hospital whilst providing an economic boost for the community through local labour and sub-contractors.

To prepare for this winter, health boards have plans to double bed numbers with the potential to triple capacity if needed. Since 2017 we have been increasing the number of postgraduate training places in intensive care medicine, and set out a programme for improving critical care, backed by £15 million funding.

A short, sharp firebreak was introduced across the whole of Wales on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November to help regain control of coronavirus. The First Minister set out how new national rules will replace the local lockdown restrictions in an oral statement to Plenary on 3 November.

Welsh Government continues to work in social partnership with employers and health unions to make available appropriate and accessible support for our dedicated healthcare workers. There is a plethora of support resources available offering different intervention styles and levels which can be accessed on HEIW’s COVID-19 webpages.