A snapshot of the good work being undertaken across Wales to provide excellent care at every level, with a positive impact on patients has been published today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The fourth NHS Wales Annual Quality Statement (AQS) contains some of the initiatives which are contributing to improvements, across the board, in the quality of care provided for patients in areas such as dementia, sepsis, diabetes and cancer. The report highlights examples of where care is being delivered effectively in innovative new ways while also identifying areas where the NHS can improve in the future.
NHS Wales Chief Executive Dr Andrew Goodall said on the day of the report’s publication:
“It is absolutely clear that the NHS in Wales is valued and must be protected.
“It’s fitting that during the 70th anniversary of the NHS , We are able to show the commitment of our staff, working across many settings to provide good care to the Welsh population.
“Day in and day out, NHS staff are putting patients at the heart of everything they do. I am grateful to them, when I know they’re often facing periods of intense pressure. Even during the busiest winter on record, the vast majority of patients received timely, professional care and, whilst acknowledging real pressures, the system saw improvements in some waiting time areas.
“However, it is important that while promoting innovation and good practice we also recognise there are challenges facing the service; where challenges exist I am clear that improvements must be made.
“Looking forward, the NHS is changing quite rapidly and it must stay at the forefront of innovation. It must become more integrated; invest in new treatments and research into genetics and digital technologies is absolutely paramount.
“This is why A Healthier Wales, our joint plan for health and social care is so very important. By the time the NHS turns 80 years old, I expect joint working and innovative, seamless services to be the norm in Wales, not the exception. I am confident we can create services which recognise that one size does not fit all; a service designed to meet people’s needs, with their involvement.
“There are many opportunities to shape and deliver the future of health and social care services in Wales. I am looking forward to seeing real change take place over the coming year, building on the range of examples and good practice we have highlighted through this annual quality statement.”