Cabinet Minister’s plans must now translate into real change for people

Following the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care’s statement on priorities for health and social care in Wales, Llais has welcomed the focus on reducing waiting times, improving access, strengthening social care, and expanding services closer to home.

The plans include commitments to eliminate two-year waits within months, expand primary care, and invest in community services, alongside longer-term action on workforce, digital and prevention. 

There is also a clear emphasis on improving integration between health and social care, with a focus on more joined-up, consistent services across Wales.

Alyson Thomas, chief executive of Llais, said:

“Much of what has been set out in the government's priorities reflects what people have been telling us for some time. People want services that are easier to access, better coordinated, and provide the right support at the right time, whether that is through health or social care.

However, the test now will be how quickly these commitments lead to real improvements in people’s day-to-day experiences.

We will continue to listen to people’s experiences as these plans are put into action, using the People’s Principles - the things people have told us matter most to them - to understand how changes are making a difference day-to-day across Wales.”