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The review highlights the efforts the NHS is making to maintain performance and delivery levels.  This includes faster stroke treatment, reductions in healthcare acquired infections, and improvements in reducing orthopaedic waits.

But the review also shows a ten per cent increase in hospital admissions for patients aged 85 and over – beyond forecast projections – which is placing significant strain on the NHS.

The £82m contingency funding announced today equates to approximately 1.5 per cent of the overall NHS budget.

Lesley Griffiths said:  

“While the review shows a number of quality improvements this year within NHS Wales, changing demographics are having a greater impact on the NHS than originally forecast.

“A knock-on effect of the rise in emergency admissions for the over 85s means planned services may be disrupted, as lengths of stay in hospital for older people is longer, which means other patients scheduled to have an operation may be affected.

“Disruption to emergency services over a sustained period therefore has an effect on planned services, meaning a risk of targets being missed.  

“This additional funding will allow the NHS to manage current pressures and maintain quality of care.

“It is important to recognise that, in financial terms, the NHS presents one of the most challenging operating environments. That is why I have made a commitment to introduce changes to the NHS finance regime, including a review of how we can provide additional financial flexibility arrangements as recommended by the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee. I will be announcing further information on this shortly.

“The review also strongly supports the assertion that service change is necessary to secure sustainable health services for the future.

“Service change, which will include an expansion of community-based healthcare, will help put health services on a firmer footing by helping keep people out of hospital.”