Health minister calls on NHS leaders to improve services

4 Nov 2026 12:30 PM

Health and care leaders across Wales must look beyond organisational boundaries and work together to improve health and give people better care, the health minister has said.

• The minister has set out ambitions for better services in the short, medium and long term.
• Health and care leaders are being asked to work together to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.
• A new period of engagement will help shape a shared vision for the future of health and care.

Speaking at the Welsh NHS Confederation Annual Conference, the minister said Wales faces significant challenges from rising demand, an ageing population, more complex needs and persistent health inequalities.

He warned ‘doing more of the same is not an option’ and said this is a chance to change services so future generations can be healthier, feel well and live independently.

The Welsh Government will work with health boards over the coming months to support organisations working together to improve health and care for people across Wales.

Health minister Mabon ap Gwynfor said:

If we want different outcomes for the people of Wales and an NHS that remains sustainable for generations to come, doing more of the same is not an option. 

Our ambition is simple: more people living longer lives, spending more of those lives in good health, and remaining independent in their homes and communities for longer.

Today marks the start of a period of engagement and collaboration. Over the coming months, I want to hear your views, your expertise and your ideas about how we collectively turn these ambitions into reality.