Plans published by the Welsh Government to lead the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic have been welcomed by RPS Wales.
The recovery plan outlines strategic steps to help transform the health and social care services with the support of an initial £100 million investment. Specific aims include building resilience in the workforce, creating new models of seamless health and social care and taking steps to tackle health inequalities.
Commenting on the plan, Elen Jones, RPS Director for Wales said:
“We are very pleased that the Welsh Government has acted promptly in addressing the recovery from the pandemic. A fresh approach to transforming care is now vitally important as we learn from lessons in delivering quality care in new and innovative ways over the past year.
"Recognition of the role of the pharmacy profession in the steps to recovery is important. Pharmacists have played a vital role in supporting patients and other colleagues throughout the pandemic. Their skills have been instrumental across the NHS; supporting the huge urgent and emergency care effort, setting up and sustaining approaches to care and medicines supply in field hospitals, and ensuring continuity of pharmaceutical care in the community.
"We welcome the continued support of the Welsh Government in expanding the clinical role of pharmacists and in harnessing the skills of our profession in bringing care closer to people’s homes. We are also pleased to see further commitment to multidisciplinary teams to respond more effectively to patient needs in all health settings.
"Aligning the principles and aims of the vision for Pharmacy in Wales to this national pandemic recovery plan will be essential. With more detail to follow, we look forward to working closely with our members, pharmacy colleagues and the Welsh Government to support the steps to recovery”.