Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“It is deeply concerning that the Excess Winter Mortality figures for Wales have increased by 84% compared with the figures for 2016/17 and that the number of deaths amongst older people has increased significantly.
“Many of these deaths could have been prevented and it is simply unacceptable that the figures have reached a level not seen since the 1970s.
“Action must be taken to ensure that older people, particularly those who are the most vulnerable, have the support they need to stay healthy during the Winter months so that avoidable deaths can be prevented in future years.
“I will be writing to the Welsh Government and Health Boards to request information about the work they have undertaken to ensure that health and care services are able to cope with Winter pressures, which can prevent older people accessing the services and support they need, and to find out whether additional action will be taken in response to the figures published today.”
