Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, is calling on everyone to play
their part in the future of Wales’ health and social care system,
as a new report shows an ageing and sicker population will put it
under greater strain.
Within the next 15 years almost 20% of the population will be 70
and over, 22% more people are expected to have diabetes and the
number of people with four or more long-term conditions could
double.
In the Senedd today (10 October) the Health Minister will respond
to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Health’s report looking at
the likely pressures on the NHS over the next 10 to 25 years.
“A growing and ageing population along with increasing numbers of
people with multiple long term health conditions mean that
pressures on the Welsh NHS and our social care system will keep
rising,” she said.
“As we look towards the future, we must protect the fundamental
principles upon which our NHS was created whilst understanding
that we will all need to rise to the challenges that lie ahead.
“We must continue to rebalance the system towards prevention and
community-based health and social care, as well as making sure
our services are used wisely, recognising that, every time we use
the system, there is a cost.
“But this isn’t just about how the NHS adapts, lifestyle and
economic inequalities are major determinants for health. Many
serious conditions, including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes,
are preventable so we can all play our part by making healthier
choices. While all parts of government and society can contribute
to tackling health inequalities.”
The Minister added that while the report demonstrates the vision
in the Welsh Government’s 10-year health strategy remains
correct, she will be asking for a review of the actions in A
Healthier Wales.
She said: “This report shows our focus on prevention, addressing
health inequalities and more care in the community is right, but
in light of this new evidence now is the time to make sure the
actions in our plan are on the right track.”
The Minister also urged people to have their say in the future of
health and social care services in Wales by taking part in the
public conversation launched by the Bevan Commission.
Anyone can take part in the conversation here: https://bevancommission.org/programmes/a-conversation-with-the-public/
Notes to editors
The full report - NHS in 10+ years: An examination of the
projected impact of Long-Term Conditions and Risk Factors in
Wales can be found here https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2023-09/science-evidence-advice.pdf
The Welsh Government’s ten-year health strategy A Healthier
Wales can be found here
https://www.gov.wales/healthier-wales-long-term-plan-health-and-social-care
