SENEDD members debated a new report today showing an ageing and sicker population in Wales will put the health and social care system under greater strain.

The report by chief scientific adviser for health Dr Rob Orford examined the likely pressures on the NHS and social care in Wales over the next 10 to 25 years. 

Mr Orford’s report estimates that almost 20 per cent of the population will be aged 70 and over, with 22 per cent more people expected to have diabetes, and the number of people with four or more long-term conditions possibly doubling.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan told the Senedd: “A growing and ageing population along with increasing numbers of people with multiple long-term health conditions mean that pressures on the Welsh NHS and our social care system will keep rising.

“This report shows our focus on prevention, addressing health inequalities and more care in the community is right, but in light of this new evidence now is the time to make sure the actions in our plan are on the right track.”

Shadow health minister Russell George supported the government’s approach and welcomed Dr Orford’s report as a wake-up call to all parties in the Senedd.

Labour’s Huw Irranca-Davies said the report was not just about the NHS but what everybody in Wales could do to take responsibility for improving their own health. 

Mr Irranca-Davies said the government’s Healthier Wales strategy was correct but needed to be delivered, especially in preventative care.

The Welsh government’s motion to note the report from the chief scientific adviser for health was unanimously approved by the Senedd after Plaid Cymru’s amendment fell after a tied vote of 27-27.