Written question WQ87961

Tackling health inequalities is a key priority as we look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address the cost-of-living crisis. Current actions to address health inequalities are embedded across all activity owing to the strategic planning required by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and through our health in all policies approach.

The recent introduction of the Duty of Quality, within which equity is one dimension, and the publication of quality statements for major service areas that lay out government’s expectation for equitable services, demonstrates the importance that is placed on this. For Local Health Boards specifically, the NHS Planning Framework sets an expectation of a broad approach to prevention to be applied in all aspects of planning and the Framework for 2022-25 requires health boards give attention to their action to reduce health inequalities in their Integrated Medium Term Plans.

Through innovative treatment and technologies we have a robust response to NICE guidance on new medicines to ensure that these are made available to everyone who needs them. Processes have been improved to ensure that when new technology is available we are aware of the need for equal access to them and are taking steps to overcome the barriers. For example, Health Technology Wales has recommended the new technology Freestyle Libre as a way to improve the care of people with diabetes who are dependent on insulin. The Welsh Value in Health Centre are looking at variation in uptake to ensure that it’s equitably distributed.

Welsh Government has, and continues to, support the development of technology that is mobile and can be taken closer to home and communities of need, for example Respiratory Innovation Wales is currently piloting a mobile respiratory unit that is providing access to diagnostic care in the community.