Health Secretary Vaughan Gething today visited the Public Health Wales Microbiology Lab at the University Hospital of Wales to see how investment in new technology in the NHS is paying off for patients.

Mr Gething saw how high-tech molecular diagnostic equipment is being used to test samples, speeding up gastro-intestinal results and identifying genetic markers that help to better tailor care to the individual patient.

This should mean more accurate testing with quicker results, improving treatment for patients.

The project is receiving £2.5million investment over three years to fund the new system across Wales.

This year, the Welsh Government invested more than £7m through the Efficiency Through Technology Fund, supporting projects using innovative technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services.

Mr Gething said:

“It is vital that Wales can keep up-to-date with the latest medical technology.

The new laboratory offers more accurate testing, which leads to care tailored to the individual.

The Efficiency Through Technology Fund has invested in projects across Wales to bring new innovations into our NHS, projects that improve outcomes for patients and deliver more from public funds.

The team initially received over £144,000 funding so they could rapidly evaluate how well the pilot project was working.

We have seen the positive results, which is why this funding is being scaled up so people across Wales will see the benefits.”