Published today, Promoting Efficiency and Saving Money in Health and Social Care in Wales brings together evidence from 15 workforce and patient advocacy organisations in Wales. Included, are key areas where the Welsh government should focus spending to get better value from its health and social care budget.
The evidence is shown through case studies where significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes are achieved across social care, hospital discharges and prescribing.
You can download and read the full report in Welsh and English.
Stand out case studies across Wales include the Your Medicines, Your Health campaign in Cwm Taf Morgannwg, the Green Surgery Challenge led by orthopaedic surgeons in North Wales and a 6-bed reablement unit in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Health and social care currently accounts for 43% of Welsh government spending, or £10.7bn in 2023-24. Just last month, the Welsh government announced an extra £425m to help the NHS cover its costs this year.
Helen Whyley, RCN Wales Director, said:
“I’m delighted to publish this new report on behalf of the partnership representing patients, carers, nurses, other professions, and the pharmaceutical industry.
“This evidence should fuel a realistic discussion about how we move towards a more cost-effective and sustainable healthcare system in Wales.
“Long-term investment in the workforce is the most significant sustainable solution - in recruitment, retention, improved pay, and better terms and conditions to provide timely and high-quality care. By doing that, we reduce the likelihood of more complex and costly care in the future.”
This report came about as a result of a roundtable discussion with Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services, and RCN Wales. The following organisations made contributions:
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Asthma and Lung UK
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British Medical Association (BMA Cymru)
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British Red Cross
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Carers Trust
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Diabetes UK Cymru
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General Medical Council (GMC)
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Hospice UK
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Macmillan
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Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
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Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
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Royal College of Physicians (RCP Cymru Wales)
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Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych),
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Welsh NHS Confederation,
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The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Cymru Wales (ABPI Cymru Wales)
We want to hear from you
What is your workplace doing to save money and streamline services? Are you involved in campaigning for sustainability in your workplace? Just contact: communicationswales@rcn.org.uk
