LABOUR’S winter plan for the NHS and social care sector in Wales was criticised by unions and politicians today.

The Welsh government announced extra funding to prepare for winter pressures, alongside support for households to stay warm.

Vaccines have been bought centrally by the NHS for the first time to fight the predicted increase in flu cases this winter, and about £30 million is being spent to try and ensure people can receive care at home, helping them leave hospital sooner to relieve pressure on beds.

But the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales demanded that the Welsh government goes beyond “surface-level solutions” and commits to long-term investment in the nursing workforce.

Union leader Helen Whyley said: “While £30 million for home-based care and £1 million for fall prevention in care homes may sound promising, these measures are only the very start to address the years of chronic underinvestment in community nursing services.

“The Welsh government’s announcement of additional winter support for the NHS and social care falls short of addressing the deep-rooted crisis facing nursing staff across Wales.”

RCN Wales has been campaigning to rid the Welsh NHS of what it calls unsafe corridor care.

“The eradication of unsafe and undignified care in inappropriate places must be a top priority for Welsh government,” Ms Whyley said.

Unison Cymru said its Swansea health workers want a strike ballot after a deal to correct years of underpayment was pulled at the 11th hour.

The healthcare support workers employed at Swansea Bay University health board will be holding a protest on Wednesday over the issue.

Plaid Cymru’s health spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor slammed the lack of capacity in general practice in Wales and the long queues outside hospital accident and emergency departments.

“Effective planning for the demands of the winter months relies on every element of the health system working together in smooth alignment,” Mr ap Gwynfor said.

“A large part of the problem is a lack of workforce planning — which is impeding the ability of health boards to fill staff vacancies.

“Developing a new workforce plan for the NHS would be a priority for a Plaid Cymru government in 2026.”