Diabetes patient says she had to turn to social media for insulin

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr health board said: “Community pharmacies would not routinely contact patients directly around medicines shortages because the actions taken by healthcare professionals will mean the majority of patients do not experience any disruption to the supply of their medicines.”

The Welsh government said it would not routinely communicate such information directly to patients either, for the same reasons.

Although health is a devolved matter, the UK government is responsible for maintaining the supply of medicines.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was its priority to ensure patients continue to get the treatments they need.

“We work with the industry, the NHS, and others to help resolve supply issues as swiftly as possible and ensure patients continue to have access to an alternative treatment until their usual product is back in stock,” said the department.