Call for Welsh Government to adhere to vaccination timescales to address mental health crisis among older residents’

The Welsh Conservatives’ Older People’s Champion – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged the Welsh Government to adhere to its original vaccination timescales as a means of confronting poor mental health among elderly residents.

The intervention came in the form of a question to the Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language. Commenting on the need to address mental health among the elderly and vulnerable, Finch-Saunders said: 

“Since the early days of the pandemic we have known that those aged 70 or older, regardless of medical conditions, are at increased risk from Covid-19. As a result, these vulnerable people have largely remained indoors and are often struggling with loneliness, fear, and anxiety as a result.  

“I am informed by healthcare officials that the demand for mental health treatment among this group has only grown as a result of the recent and necessary public health restrictions, and that this growth in need must be addressed quickly to avoid long-term life-threatening consequences.

“Our single biggest weapon providing assurance to these individuals is a quick vaccination process. But this is certainly not happening here in my constituency of Aberconwy. Worse still is the fact that these people have received no information whatsoever and their anxiety is increasing.

“The Welsh Government must adhere to its original vaccination timescales if it is are to address this looming mental-health crisis. I have also asked the Minister to ensure that access to loneliness support groups and mental health support services is properly maintained.”