How is the Welsh Government working with international manufacturers to ensure the NHS receives a reliable supply of radioisotopes in light of global shortages?
With responsibility for UK radioisotope supply sitting with the UK Government, my officials worked with the UK Government and industry to support the NHS and ensured supply was distributed based on need across the four nations, during the shortage between 21 October and 8 November 2024.
Occasionally the NHS experiences temporary shortages of specific medicines, but there are well established processes to deal with them. On this occasion, patient needs were met through prioritisation in line with British Nuclear Medicine Society guidance, and with supplies back to normal all patients who clinically require a scan will receive one.