The Member for Aberconwy - Janet Finch-Saunders MS - has today (7 May) questioned the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services about the regional disparity in COVID-19 test waiting times.  

According to a recent online survey by the Royal College of Nursing Wales, only 36% of respondents in North Wales received results to their COVID-19 test results within two days. This is compared to 59% in South Wales Central. Furthermore, 52% of respondents from North Wales say they were waiting up to five days to receive their results. 

Alarmed by the disparity, Mrs Finch-Saunders has now submitted a Written Assembly Question to the Welsh Health and Social Services Minister, Vaughan Gething MS. In her question, the Member for Aberconwy asked: 

What is the Minister doing to address the regional disparities in waiting times for COVID-19 test results experienced by front-line health and social care workers? 

Speaking of the situation, Janet said: 

“I am dismayed to hear that the hardworking health and social care staff of North Wales are waiting much longer on average for their COVID-19 test results, compared with other regions. 

“The Welsh Government has taken its eyes off the ball when it has come to testing. I ask the Minister to address this imbalance as a matter of urgency. 

“We should have an efficient test process across Wales, ensuring that no single region is unfairly left behind. This is essential if we are to get those healthy and able front-line staff back to work as soon as possible, ensuring that our health boards are adequately staffed throughout the present pandemic. 

“Without an enforced level playing field across Wales, the Welsh Government is putting the lives of staff and patients at greater and unnecessary risk. 

ENDS 

Notes for Editors: 

• The online survey was distributed by the RCN to its members between 24 April and the 28 April 2020. There were 1,215 completed responses from Wales. 138 respondents were employed in a care home.