Written question WQ90100
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Health Inspectorate Wales's annual report 2022-2023 that has said there are unrelenting pressures on Wales's healthcare service, and that Welsh Government initiatives are not making a difference at the frontline?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
I welcome the annual report recently published by Health Inspectorate Wales that clearly illustrates the unrelenting pressures and challenges across the health and care system.
We must continue to focus on population health and prevention as the route to better health and wellbeing and to sustainability in the longer term. Reducing inequity and improving the quality, safety and experience of those in need of health services must always be a driving force in service planning and delivery.
The NHS Planning Framework 2023-26 sets out the broad requirements that will underpin NHS plans going forward – this includes the importance of quality, safety, prevention, and good health outcomes at the heart of the NHS in Wales.
The economic and financial outlook is extremely challenging. The value of the overall Welsh Government budget has fallen in real terms by £3bn over the current spending review period. A renewed focus on cost reduction and value improvement in the NHS is therefore critical to ensure the ongoing sustainability of services.