Welsh Health and Social Services Minister Eluned Morgan has set-out plans for a £100 million investment to kick-start the health and care system’s recovery from the pandemic.

The funding for new equipment, staff, technology and ways of working will help health boards improve services across primary, community and hospital care, by increasing capacity and cutting waiting times as they begin resuming non-emergency care following the pandemic.

The initial £100 million will see Cardiff and Vale receive £13 million to increase capacity for a range of therapies and diagnostics, including staff recruitment and two new mobile theatres; Cwm Taf Morgannwg receive £16 million for recruitment and investment in surgical and diagnostic capacity; and Aneurin Bevan Health receive £17 million for projects to increased capacity in planned care, diagnostics, therapies and mental health.

Morgan said: “Helping our health and social care services recover from the pandemic is going to take time, investment and a new approach to delivering care. The remarkable commitment of our NHS and social care workers has helped us through this pandemic to a point where we can now start to think about the future. I am determined that we now provide them the support they need to help the service recover.

“I am under no illusions about the size of the task ahead, but it is also important to recognise we now have a real opportunity to transform the delivery of health and care services. We must take this opportunity to create a health and care system that is fit for the future. The pandemic saw the early and swift adoption of new technology and ways of working, I want to see health boards build on this good work. The Welsh Government is committing an extra £1 billion to support our recovery plan. Today I am detailing how an initial £100 million will be allocated to our NHS to start this work.”