Jane Dodds has asked the Welsh Government what it is doing to speed up the release of patients from hospital.

The Mid and West Wales MS said at the Senedd that in September, 50 per cent of patients in Powys hospitals were awaiting discharge.

She said: “They were either fit to go but there was no social care available, or they were awaiting assessments. In November, 51 per cent of patients are still waiting to go home.

“Christmas is only round the corner, and we know how important it is for people to be at home.”

Ms Dodds asked what the Government is doing to ensure that social carers and packages of care are enhanced, as well as joint assessments, so that the speed at which people leave hospital can be accelerated.

The Trefnydd, Jane Hutt, said that was an important question, particularly at this time of the year.

She told Ms Dodds: “Management and support for all patients to leave hospital in a safe and timely manner is a key Government priority.

“We've made significant improvements over the last few years in reducing the number of discharge delays.

“It is about improving the effectiveness of moving people out of hospital safely - it might be back to their homes or onto their next stage of care.

“Funding is crucial. Your support for funding has been vital in terms of the continued commitment to social care.

“We've invested £30 million through the pathways of care transformation grant from 2025-26, and this funding is helping councils to support hospital discharge.

“But also, it's about prevention - strengthening community capacity to prevent avoidable admission.

“In terms of the importance of getting packages of care - the social care funding - we've published updated guidance for staff on hospital discharge practices which are routinely updated to ensure that that guidance remains current and relevant.”

Ms Hutt said: “We expect multi-agency integrated health boards and the voluntary sector to collaborate to ensure timely, safe and person-centred discharge planning.

“I thank you for your engagement with us in terms of the £30 million for the pathways of care transformation grant - vital to help move this forward.”