Striving to change NHS for the better
Innovation, government policy and our dedicated staff are all aiming to improve health service
Whether you’re from Aberystwyth or Anglesey, Builth Wells or Barry, we all want access to the best standard of healthcare.
None of us are immune from needing an appointment with a GP, nurse or other medical professional at some point in our lives.
While our NHS strives to offer high-quality, patient-centred care, at times it can be challenge to deliver it effectively at a time of increased demand.
You could argue that Wales has become a victim of its own success.
Life expectancy is now at an all-time high thanks to breakthrough treatments and improvements in our understanding of what keeps us in good health.
Unfortunately that means people are living longer with a range of complex and chronic conditions, placing more onus on both primary and secondary care.
Our ageing population, coupled with staff shortages and some people’s inability to look after their own health, have therefore placed a greater strain on the NHS than ever before.
We have all heard the horror stories of operations being cancelled or delayed, wards losing beds and patients facing delays in being discharged home.
These are all very real causes for concern, particularly because none of them are a quick fix.
But in Wales there are also many areas where innovation, government policy and dedication of staff are striving to change things for the better.
Landmark legislation such as the Nurse Staffing Bill have now made it a legal requirement for “safe” numbers of staff in some acute adult wards.
The message of “prudent healthcare” – how Wales could make the most effective use of available resources – has been championed in other countries. And it appears waiting times for ambulances, diagnostic tests and treatment in A&E are all seeing improvements.
In this edition of Health Check Wales, we look at an “A to Z of health” and explore some of the key subject matters facing our health service today.
We speak to a patient who had benefitted from the quick response of the Welsh Ambulance Service, which has been put under scrutiny since changing its clinical model.
We also look at the innovative ideas which are aiming to enhance the standard of care for people with dementia – one of the biggest health challenges our society is facing.
As well as tackling the more serious issues of cancer care, obesity and mental health, it’s also important to acknowledge the generosity of volunteers and fundraisers.
Without these selfless individuals, the pioneering work of charities and researchers would not get off the ground.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Health Check Wales and we wish you a very pleasant summer.