Hutt's £40m winter crisis remedy

Intensive care units reached crisis point last year

Welsh Assembly Health Secretary Jane Hutt has announced £40m to help avoid another winter beds crisis.

During a visit to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, she said she was determined there would be no repeat of last year's difficulties.

Initiative launch: Ms Hutt spoke at the Royal Gwent

Intensive care units in hospitals thoughout Wales reached crisis point as each struggled to contend with the sharp rise in admissions mainly due to a flu epidemic.

Ms Hutt has released planning guidance to hospitals, trusts, councils and voluntary groups on how to deal with pressures of emergency admissions.

It sets out roles and responsibilities and emphasises the importance of joint working and good communications.

A Keep Well In Winter campaign will also be launched in the autumn aimed at pensioners, and the flu immunisation programme for the elderly will also be extended.

Assembly Health Secretary Jane Hutt

Ms Hutt's task force has also produced examples of successful initiatives already working in Wales to deal with winter beds problems.

Last month, the same group warned the Assembly that another 400 beds were needed across Welsh hospitals.

They have reported they are struggling to cope with emergency admissions - even in summer months.

Ms Hutt has pledged £40m to manage emegency admissions and reduce waiting times this year.