Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“Many people have shared their concerns about the impact that the emergency Coronavirus Bill (which will also apply in Wales) could have upon older and vulnerable people, with the proposed changes potentially affecting health and social care services.
“It is important to remember that the changes proposed within the legislation will only be implemented when needed, and I know that the many dedicated professionals working across our health and social care services will do all they can to keep services running and uphold people’s rights under the most difficult circumstances.
“Should the proposed changes need to be implemented, I will be closely monitoring the impact they have on older people and will raise any concerns I have with the Welsh Government, who I will continue to be in regular contact with as the situation develops and changes.
“Whilst the Bill is time limited, I would also expect this legislation to be repealed at the earliest opportunity to ensure that any impact upon older people and disruption to services is limited as far as possible.”
