CRITICAL care services in Wales are set to benefit from a new annual £15million fund, the Welsh Government has announced.

The funding will be used to strengthen critical care so it can continue to deliver the very highest standard of care to those who need it in the future.

A Welsh Government spokesman said that it will help to redesign the way critical care services in Wales are delivered and develop a national model of care for those who are critically ill.

The spokesman added: "This model will look at developing and expanding the workforce, increasing the number of critical care beds and the options for transferring critically ill patients."

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the extra investment.

She said: “Ensuring patients with the most need have access to high quality critical care services is essential.”

“In pressurised situations, dedicated and compassionate NHS staff provide a high standard of care and this additional funding will help safeguard more sustainable services for the future.”

The Welsh Government has announced a task and finish group, chaired by the deputy chief medical officer, Professor Chris Jones, will be established to develop the national model and oversee the allocation of funding.