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The Welsh Government has ordered NHS Wales to start emergency winter planning immediately to prevent a repeat of last year’s severe hospital delays.

Health and care services must focus on cutting hospital corridor care, speeding up patient discharges, and expanding vaccination programmes.

The directive comes after a difficult winter period where thousands of patients across south Wales faced long delays for emergency care and hospital beds.

An expansion of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will also begin in September for people aged over 65 who are at clinical risk.

Health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor admitted that last winter was “not good enough” for patients.

Mr ap Gwynfor said: “Last winter was tough – too many people waited too long for the care they needed. Early planning and action are key, and I’ve also asked officials to begin planning now so we’re better prepared for the winters ahead.

“The recent period of extreme heat is a clear reminder that pressures and risk can arise at any time of year. Our ambition is simple – safe services all year round.”

The national plan focuses on five key areas, including identifying at-risk patients earlier to keep them out of hospital and increasing weekend discharges to free up beds.

A new public communications campaign will also launch later this year to direct patients away from accident and emergency departments if they do not require critical care.