WALES' nursing chief has praised a £3.5 million investment in primary care that the Welsh Government says is beginning to tackle health inequalities across the country.

Tina Donnelly, the director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, said "tangible outcomes" are being seen from the investment, which is focused on broadening staff skills and developing local projects to improve health based on the differing needs of areas.

"We are able to ensure a smoother process for patients during the entire pathway of care, from beginning to end," said Ms Donnelly.

"As a result, health professionals, such as nurses, will hopefully be encouraged by these positive changes which are helping to enable them in providing the highest possible standard of care for patients.”

Health minister Mark Drakeford claimed last week that the first £3.5m primary care fund has "improved the quality of service provided by GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, optometrists and other health professionals to patients."

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board used its allocation of £300,000 from last year's fund to launch its Living Well, Living Longer programme in Blaenau Gwent, in recognition of the heavy burden of cardiovascular disease in that area.

The programme identified 221 people at risk of cardiovascular disease who have now been referred to their GP for further investigation and risk management.

The scheme also promotes the uptake of national screening programmes, in recognition of the fact that the incidence of cancer is higher in areas of socio-economic deprivation.