Programme

The Welsh Government and NHS Wales are committed to improving the health of people in Wales. The NHS has had considerable success in improving people’s life expectancy, but not for all groups, and with this success comes a significant challenge of increasing demand as our society ages. Patients have high expectations of the NHS with more people seen and treated faster than ever before, and these expectations are fuelled by advances in the treatments available. The challenge is meeting these expectations when there is less money available.

The NHS is taking action to improve public health and reduce the inequalities in healthy life expectancy which exist in Wales. To meet these challenges, we are taking action to improve the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare in Wales.

Improving the NHS alone cannot meet the challenges of increased demand, expectations and improved life expectancy. We must also empower individuals to take more responsibility for their own health and live healthier lifestyles if further improvements are to be achieved.