The Shadow Welsh Minister for Social Care rounded on the Welsh Government today over its lacklustre record on providing PPE to key workers on the frontline in combatting Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

Janet Finch-Saunders AM took the Minister for Health to task over a written Assembly question (WAQ) she submitted to him 19 days ago asking that urgent steps were taken ensure that adult and children hospices have access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mrs Finch-Saunders said that she had yet to receive a full response to her question, but said she welcomed a three-month package of additional support worth up to £6.3 million for hospices in Wales.

She asked, however, for the Minister to clarify what steps have been taken to ensure that all hospices in Wales can access the PPE they require.

Mrs Finch-Saunders also quizzed the Minister over what take measures will be taken to help ensure that virtual training on PPE use is made available for those frontline workers who require it.

Speaking later, Mrs Finch-Saunders said:

“While I acknowledge the pressures that all departments and Ministers are under, these are nothing compared to the pressures our amazing frontline health and social care staff are under day in, day out.

“And so, I have to say that I was less than reassured by the Minister’s responses, and I’m pretty sure that those on the frontline were also not reassured.

“The Minister has had weeks to put measures in place, and it’s now getting too late. It’s time that he answered and acted on the questions we Welsh Conservatives have put to him.”