Most vulnerable risk being 'excluded' from digitisation of health and care services

  • Wales
Credit: PA

The digital revolution of health and care services in Wales risks excluding the most vulnerable, a new report has revealed.

The 'Digital Inclusion in Health and Care in Wales' report says there's a 'real danger' that those people most in need if accessing health services will be left behind because of their lack of digital skills and access.

It says one in four people in Wales with limiting long-standing illnesses, disability or infirmity are not currently using the internet - compared with only 10% of those without such a condition.

25% of men and 32% of women aged 65 to 74 in Wales are not online, compared with only 3% if 16 to 49-year-olds.

Credit: PA Images

It comes as the the Welsh Government announced £3 million to improve access to technology for health staff and patients in a bid to tackle digital exclusion.

The money is part of a new three year Digital Inclusion programme to help people access and manage their medical information online.