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Responding to the Royal College of Physicians' report, 'Physicians on the front line', Vanessa Young, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said: "People working within the NHS and social care are our biggest asset.

“We know how hard staff work to deliver care, in often challenging situations, and without their work and dedication the health and care service would collapse. However, as today’s report from the RCP demonstrates, the recruitment and retention of the workforce continues to be one of the biggest challenge facing NHS Wales.

“We’re pleased the see the report highlight initiatives across Wales which are helping to address some of the issues. However we know that more needs to be done and we agree with several of the report’s recommendations, including the need for a long-term vision for NHS Wales, investment in new ways of working and models of integrated care, an increased focus on prevention and a shift to deliver more care in the community.

“Our members are working hard to address the challenges around the workforce. While some progress is being made, we are not complacent. We will continue to work with Welsh Government, universities and our colleagues across health and social care to develop high quality training and employment opportunities for the full range roles that will be needed throughout Wales in the future.”

RCP report