NHS leaders in Wales are urging the next Welsh Government to take a long-term approach to ensure the sustainability of health and social care services.

The Welsh NHS Confederation (WNHSC) has outlined key priorities it wants to see included in political party manifestos ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. These include prevention, workforce planning, performance and financial frameworks, social care reform, and investment in infrastructure.

The WNHSC, which represents all NHS organisations in Wales, conducted a survey of 95 NHS leaders to identify the most pressing issues facing the sector. The five key priorities are:

• Delivering a cross-government national strategy to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
• Investing in a long-term workforce plan for the NHS and social care, including education and training.
• Publishing a joint health and social care performance and financial framework for seamless care.
• Establishing an independent rapid review to develop a long-term plan for social care sustainability.
• Launching a long-term capital and infrastructure strategy.

NHS leaders warn that health and social care services are under extreme pressure, with high demand and limited resources. The growing elderly population is adding further strain, with the number of people aged 80 and over expected to double between 2000 and 2038. Additionally, the number of people living with four or more long-term conditions is predicted to nearly double by 2035.

Darren Hughes, director of the WNHSC, said: “The needs of the population are evolving. Over the next decade, we need a fundamental shift from a reactive healthcare model—treating illness—to a proactive one that focuses on prevention and early intervention.

“There’s an alarming wave of demographic and health challenges ahead, but we have an opportunity to make significant improvements within the next five to ten years. This requires a whole-system approach, with government, public services, and society working together to drive better health outcomes.”

NHS leaders are calling on the Welsh Government to prioritise investment in community-based services and prevention across all sectors. They argue that sustainable reform will only be possible through collective action and long-term planning.

The WNHSC will be engaging with politicians in the coming months and plans to release a more detailed report outlining the steps needed to secure the future of health and social care in Wales.

A LOCAL opticians in Haverfordwest has raised awareness about glaucoma and funds for charity Glaucoma UK by hosting an in-store bake sale.

Coinciding with World Glaucoma Awareness Week (9 – 15 March), an annual campaign encouraging people to talk about the effects of glaucoma, the fundraiser saw employees at Specsavers Haverfordwest, alongside local café, The Box, donate a variety of baked goods to help support the cause.

Customers and local community members contributed to the event, raising £280 through cash and online donations. Leftover cakes were donated to local community initiative, Feed the Community.

According to Glaucoma UK there are around 700,000 people living with glaucoma and between 2015 and 2035 that number is set to rise by 44%[1]. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing sight loss, as glaucoma can often be managed effectively if diagnosed in time.

Andy Britton, director and glaucoma specialist at Specsavers Haverfordwest, explains: ‘Glaucoma is a major cause of sight loss, but the good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can make a real difference in managing the condition. That’s why events like this are so valuable in spreading awareness.

‘We’re delighted with the turnout for our bake sale and want to thank everyone who contributed, whether by baking, donating or simply stopping by to support the cause. Raising awareness of glaucoma is vital and we’re proud to support Glaucoma UK in their mission to help those affected by the condition.’

To further boost fundraising efforts, the store also held a raffle with prizes including a food and movie night hamper and a voucher for local restaurant, Waldo Lounge.

Alongside cash donations on the day, Specsavers Haverfordwest set up a JustGiving page to allow those unable to attend in person to contribute.

To support the fundraiser, donate via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/danielle-thomas-turner-1?newPage=true

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

THE WELSH NHS is lagging dangerously behind England in digitising patient records, with Senedd Member Gareth Davies warning that the country’s health service must be dragged into the digital age.

Speaking in the Senedd, the Vale of Clwyd MS challenged the First Minister to urgently accelerate the digitisation of patient records. Davies criticised the sluggish pace of digital transformation, highlighting that the vast majority of patient records in Wales remain paper-based, while in England, the NHS is advancing rapidly with digital records accessible via the NHS app.

Growing digital divide

Davies warned of an ever-widening “digital rift” between England and Wales, arguing that the Welsh Government’s current plans are insufficient. While Wales has pledged to digitise maternity records by 2026 and introduce electronic mental health records in some areas, Davies insists this is not enough. He emphasised the efficiency, cost-saving, and safety benefits of full digitisation.

Citing a 2020 Public Services Ombudsman report, Davies pointed out that 70% of NHS complaints in Wales could not be fully investigated due to missing medical records. He stressed that digitalisation would ensure patients receive timely and accurate care without the risk of lost or misplaced information.

Calls for immediate action

Following his Senedd address, Davies said: “It’s not a big ask for the Welsh Government to ensure that doctors don’t have to wade through stacks of paper to find a patient’s medical history. The government has been dithering for years, creating a huge digital divide between England and Wales. Our analogue NHS must be brought into the 21st century.”

Impact on Pembrokeshire

Healthcare in Pembrokeshire is already under strain, with long waiting times and stretched resources at Withybush Hospital. The lack of digital records only adds to the burden, with delays in accessing medical histories causing disruptions in patient care. The introduction of digital records could help streamline services, reduce errors, and improve efficiency at local GP practices and hospitals.

Welsh government response

The Welsh Government acknowledges the complexity and cost of implementing an electronic health records system. It has announced several initiatives, including:

• Developing a national business case for a new electronic health records system.
• Expanding the Digital Health and Care Record, linking patient information across Wales.
• Creating a single national clinical data repository through the National Data Resource (NDR).
• Rolling out the NHS Wales App, providing citizens with digital access to health services.
• Digitising prescribing and medicines management across Wales by 2030.
• Enhancing the Welsh Clinical Portal, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient records digitally.
• Introducing the Welsh Nursing Care Record, allowing bedside digital record-keeping for nurses.
• Digitising maternity patient records by 2026.
• Implementing digital mental health records in some areas, such as Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

Opposition and further debate

Despite these initiatives, critics argue the rollout is too slow. The Welsh Conservatives, in a November 2023 debate, pushed for an urgent implementation of the NHS app and e-prescribing across the Welsh NHS. They also urged the government to integrate artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure.

Plaid Cymru has also raised concerns about the NHS’s outdated technology, including the continued use of fax machines.

Future of digital healthcare in Wales

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), the body overseeing digitisation efforts, has outlined its strategy through 2030. This includes a move towards cloud-based systems, a consolidated electronic health record application, and full digital prescribing.

However, the pace of implementation remains a contentious issue, with Gareth Davies and other campaigners demanding swifter action to prevent Wales from falling further behind England in healthcare technology.

As the debate continues, the Welsh Government faces increasing pressure to accelerate reforms and modernise the NHS for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals alike.