Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services
The four UK nations are managing a supply issue for products used for blood collection. The NHS have extensive experience dealing with medical supply issues, and are working to provide the continued high quality patient care the public expect. NHS Wales are leading the response within Wales with support from Welsh Government, and are working closely with other nations to put mitigations in place including to source clinically suitable alternatives to products affected.
In order to preserve supplies for people that urgently need blood tests, the NHS issued clinical guidance to reduce the number of non-clinically urgent tests. Welsh experts were part of the UK Clinical Reference Group which endorsed the guidance. Patient safety remains the priority, and a test would only be delayed if the NHS have assessed it is clinically safe to do so. People who require urgent care should continue to seek it as normal.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do that.