Political engagement in Wales

Influencing and informing health and care policy in Wales.
Block of red

View our political briefings, explainer articles and system-wide responses to Senedd Committee inquiries and Welsh Government consultations, developed in partnership with our members and submitted on their behalf.

2026 Senedd election

Healthcare building blocks
Press release

Next Welsh Government must think long term to make health and social care sustainable

The Welsh NHS Confederation sets out what NHS leaders need the next Welsh Government to prioritise as health and care services face rising demand.

17 March 2025
Infographic

Building the health and wellbeing of the nation

NHS leaders' five priorities for the next Welsh Government.

18 March 2025
Infographic

Adeiladu iechyd a lleisiant y genedl

Pum blaenoriaeth arweinwyr y GIG ar gyfer Lywodraeth nesaf Cymru.

18 March 2025
 

Coming soon: detailed election publication.

 

 

Explainers

In the run up to the 2026 Senedd election, we'll be publishing a series of explainer articles. These will stick to the facts on the health and care system in Wales, covering a wide range of topics including how the NHS is funded, the structure of the NHS in Wales, the role of social care, the wider determinants of health, how primary care works and service change.

Illustration of Wales
Article

How is the NHS structured in Wales?

To kick off the Welsh NHS Confederation's explainer series, we take it back to basics and look at the structure of the NHS in Wales.

29 August 2024
A stack of pound coins.
Article

How is the NHS in Wales funded?

For the second in the Welsh NHS Confederation's explainer series, we unpack how the NHS in Wales is funded.

23 October 2024
An icon of two managers surrounded by a graph and a chart.
Article

What are the planning and escalation frameworks in the NHS in Wales?

The next in the Welsh NHS Confederation's explainer series focuses on how planning and escalation works in the NHS in Wales.

28 January 2025

Political publications

Blurred hospital corridor
Consultation response

Inquiry on the role of local authorities in supporting hospital discharges: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Local Government and Housing Committee’s inquiry.

28 February 2025
Healthcare building blocks
Consultation response

Defence Committee Inquiry into the Armed Forces Covenant: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Defence Committee inquiry (UK Parliament) into the Armed Forces Covenant.

26 February 2025
Briefing

Briefing ahead of Debate: Welsh Government Draft Budget 2025-26

This briefing is for Members of the Senedd (MSs) ahead of the debate on the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2025-26, on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

4 February 2025
Animation still: two women talking at a table by a window
Consultation response

Scrutiny of the Mental Health Bill: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Health and Social Care Committee’s scrutiny of the Mental Health Bill.

27 January 2025
A hand holding a lit cigarette.
Consultation response

Scrutiny of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Health and Social Care Committee’s scrutiny of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

27 January 2025
A map of the United Kingdom.
Letter

Welsh NHS Confederation submits evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on cross-border healthcare

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee on cross-border healthcare.

23 January 2025
Briefing

Briefing on Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care: NHS winter pressures

Briefing for Members of the Senedd (MSs) ahead of the Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on NHS winter pressures.

7 January 2025
A man checking financial graphs.
Briefing

Briefing for Senedd debate on the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2025-26

Briefing for Members of the Senedd (MSs) ahead of the debate on the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2024-26.

9 December 2024
Consultation response

Finance Committee consultation on the draft budget: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation recently submitted evidence to the Senedd Finance Committee consultation on the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2025-26.

5 December 2024
Illustrated scene showing an imbalanced scale. Right-hand side weighed down by symbols representing costs affecting NHS, such as buildings, medication and treatments. The left-hand side of the scale has money being depleted.
Consultation response

Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry into the Foundational Economy: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The WNHSC response to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry into the Foundational Economy

25 September 2024
Consultation response

Welsh Government's consultation on the draft priorities for culture in Wales: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The WNHSC response to the Welsh Government's consultation on the draft Priorities for Culture in Wales 2024 to 2030.

5 September 2024
A man checking financial graphs.
Briefing

Briefing for debate on the Welsh Government’s 2025-26 spending priorities

Briefing for the Senedd debate on the Welsh Government’s spending priorities for the 2025-26 budget.

16 July 2024
An icon of a stethoscope, with the wire as a dotted line.
Consultation response

Welsh Government’s consultation on partnership arrangement regulations: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The WNHSC response to the Welsh Government’s Consultation on the (draft) Partnership Arrangements (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2024.

10 July 2024
Briefing

Briefing for Senedd debate on NHS waiting lists

This briefing is for Members of the Senedd in preparation for the Welsh Conservatives’ debate on NHS waiting lists on Wednesday 3 July 2024.

2 July 2024
Animation still: two women talking at a table by a window
Consultation response

Draft mental health and wellbeing strategy: Welsh NHS Confederation response

Response to the mental health and wellbeing strategy, which aims to improve and protect the mental health and wellbeing of people in Wales.

13 June 2024
Consultation response

Health and Social Care Committee consultation into the prevention of ill health – obesity: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The consultation will be looking at the effectiveness of Welsh Government strategy, regulations, and associated actions to prevent and reduce obesity.

13 June 2024
Consultation response

Draft suicide and self-harm prevention strategy: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the consultation on behalf of NHS leaders in Wales.

13 June 2024
A smiling doctor talking to a patient who is in bed.
Consultation response

Consultation on proposed changes to the Putting Things Right process: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh Government is seeking opinions from stakeholders across Wales on their proposed changes to the Putting Things Right (PTR) process.

2 May 2024
blank speech bubbles forming a cloud
Consultation response

Welsh Government’s proposals to mandate the use of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in Wales: Welsh NHS Confederation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to Welsh Government’s proposals to mandate the use of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in Wales.

28 March 2024
Consultation response

Consultation into the development of the Mental Health Standards of Care (Wales) Bill: Welsh NHS Confederation response

Consultation response on behalf of members on the development of the Mental Health Standards of Care (Wales) Bill.

22 March 2024
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Children, Young People and Education Committee consultation on the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill

Response to the Senedd's Children, Young People and Education Committee consultation on the Residential Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill.

22 January 2024
A man checking financial graphs.
Briefing

Briefing for the Senedd debate on the Draft Budget 2024-25

Briefing for the Senedd debate on the Finance Minister’s statement on the Draft Budget 2024-25.

8 January 2024
An elderly patient sitting in a wooden chair.
Consultation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Conservatives Social Services Policy Board

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Conservatives Social Services Policy Board

4 October 2023
A man checking financial graphs.
Consultation response

Response to Finance Committee scrutiny of the Welsh Government’s 2024-25 Draft Budget proposals

Welsh NHS Confederation response to Finance Committee scrutiny of the Welsh Government's 2024-25 Draft Budget proposals.

1 December 2023
Three healthcare scientists in a lab.
Briefing

Supporting people through cancer

Briefing highlighting examples from NHS organisations across Wales of improving diagnosis, treatment and support for patients with cancer.

26 October 2023
Finance-files.jpg
Briefing

Briefing: Minister for Finance and Local Government statement on the 2023-24 financial position

Briefing for the statement by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on the 2023-24 financial position

17 October 2023
hands-pen.jpg
Consultation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation response to Plaid Cymru's manifesto development

The Welsh NHS Confederation responds to Plaid Cymru's manifesto development

13 October 2023
An elderly patient sitting in a wooden chair.
Consultation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Conservatives Social Services Policy Board

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Conservatives Social Services Policy Board

4 October 2023
A child embraces their mother.
Consultation response

Response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Draft Child Poverty Strategy for Wales 2023

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Government's consultation on the Draft Child Poverty Strategy for Wales 2023

11 September 2023
A wheelchair user talking to a nurse.
Consultation response

Response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the rebalancing care and support programme

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Government's consultation on its rebalancing care and support programme.

14 August 2023
An older woman smiles at her carer.
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to care consultation

The Health and Wellbeing Alliance Social Care Sub-Group responded to the Welsh Government's consultation on rebalancing care and support programme

14 August 2023
A nurse smiling at a tablet.
Consultation response

Response to the Health and Social Care Committee's consultation on the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Health Committee's consultation as part of its post-legislative scrutiny of the Nurse Staffing Levels Act.

21 July 2023
A floor-level view of a hospital ward.
Briefing

Welsh NHS Confederation submission to the Health and Social Care Committee on NHS waiting times

The Welsh NHS Confederation's submission to the Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee inquiry on NHS waiting times.

12 July 2023
Illustrated scene showing an imbalanced scale. Right-hand side weighed down by symbols representing costs affecting NHS, such as buildings, medication and treatments. The left-hand side of the scale has money being depleted.
Briefing

Briefing for Members of the Senedd: Welsh Government Spending Priorities

Briefing sent to MSs ahead of a Finance Committee-led debate on the Welsh Government’s Spending Priorities

11 July 2023
The NHS at 75: How do we meet the needs of future generations. Featuring the Welsh NHS Confederation.
Report

The NHS at 75: How do we meet the needs of future generations?

Report from the Welsh NHS Confederation calling for a national conversation on how we co-produce a health and care service for the future.

4 July 2023
The NHS at 75: How do we meet the needs of future generations. Featuring the Welsh NHS Confederation.
Briefing

Infographic: The NHS at 75: How do we meet the needs of future generations?

We’re calling for a national conversation to co-produce a health and care service for the future.

4 July 2023
Y gig yn 75 oed: Sut ydyn ni'n diwallu anghenion cenedlaethau'r dyfodol
Briefing

Ffeithlun: Y GIG yn 75oed: Sut ydyn ni'n diwallu anghenion cenedlaethau'r dyfodol

Rydym yn galw am sgwrs genedlaethol i gyd-gynhyrchu gwasanaeth iechyd a gofal ar gyfer y dyfodol.

4 July 2023
Y gig yn 75 oed: Sut ydyn ni'n diwallu anghenion cenedlaethau'r dyfodol
Report

Y GIG yn 75oed: Sut ydyn ni'n diwallu anghenion cenedlaethau'r dyfodol?

Adroddiad gan Conffederasiwn GIG Cymru yn galw am sgwrs genedlaethol ar sut rydym yn cyd-gynhyrchu gwasanaeth iechyd a gofal ar gyfer y dyfodol.

4 July 2023
A dentist treating a patient.
Briefing

Briefing for Members of the Senedd: Debate on dentistry

Briefing sent to MSs ahead of a debate on the Health and Social Care Committee report on dentistry.

19 June 2023
People connected by lines
Consultation response

Response to the Welsh Government’s Consultation on the Single Unified Safeguarding Review draft statutory guidance

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Government’s Consultation, welcoming the Single Unified Safeguarding Review draft guidance

13 June 2023
A seminar leader presenting to delegates.
Briefing

Explanatory briefing: Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023

Summary of the core principles and provisions in the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023.

30 May 2023
Older patients playing guitar as art therapy
Briefing

Briefing for Senedd debate on tackling mental health inequalities

Briefing for Members of the Senedd ahead of the debate on tackling mental health inequalities in Wales.

3 May 2023
A young person sharing at group counselling.
Briefing

Reducing mental health inequalities

This infographic illustrates some of the causes of mental health inequalities in Wales and what can be done to reduce them.

2 May 2023
Rural home among fields
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation to respond to Air Quality and Soundscapes Bill

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Climate Change Committee’s consultation, welcoming the Air Quality and Soundscapes Bill.

28 April 2023
Mother carrying child into council flat block
Letter

WNHSC Health and Wellbeing Alliance send letter to all Welsh Government departments on inequalities

33 organisations come together to ask Welsh Government ministers how they are working with officials to reduce the impact of inequalities and poverty.

24 April 2023
A community nurse checking a patient's temperature.
Briefing

Access to primary and community care

This report highlights examples of work being done by NHS organisations across Wales to develop primary and community care services.

13 March 2023
Hospital staff in PPE show an elderly patient his file.
Briefing

Briefing: Current challenges facing the health and social care system in Wales

Briefing for the Senedd debate on the current challenges facing the health and social care system in Wales.

11 January 2023
A man checking financial graphs.
Briefing

Briefing for Members of the Senedd: Debate on Draft Budget 2023-24

Briefing sent to MSs ahead of a debate on the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2023-24. Updated 6/2/2023.

12 December 2022
Mother carrying child into council flat block
News

We need to see cross-government action to tackle mental health inequalities

Assistant director of the Welsh NHS Confederation responds to the Health and Social Care Committee report on mental health inequalities.

19 December 2022
Consultation response

Response to the Finance Committee’s consultation on the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget 2023-2024

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Finance Committee's consultation on the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2023-2024.

22 November 2022
Cardiff from above.
Consultation response

WNHSC response to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.

17 November 2022
A community nurse checking a patient's blood pressure.
Briefing

Briefing for Members of the Senedd: Debate on hospital discharge and patient flow through hospitals

Briefing sent to MSs ahead of a debate on the Health and Social Care Committee report "Hospital discharge and patient flow through hospitals".

12 October 2022
Nesta Lloyd-Jones
Briefing

Investing in the NHS: Priorities for future government budgets

Paper examining funding priorities for consideration in future UK and Welsh Government budgets.

19 October 2022
A crowded street.
Briefing

September 2022: Actions taken to mitigate pressures in the health and social care system

Summary of the key actions taken by the NHS, local authorities and wider partners in Wales to mitigate current pressures across health and social care

28 September 2022
A patient and carer, laughing and looking at a tablet.
Briefing

'It's not just a crisis, it's a national emergency': Addressing the challenges in social care

This briefing provides an overview of the results from a survey of Welsh NHS Confederation members regarding the impact of social care on the NHS.

28 September 2022
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to draft innovation strategy

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the draft innovation strategy for Wales.

28 September 2022
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to Health and Social Care Committee consultation on dentistry

Welsh NHS Confederation response to Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee consultation on dentistry in Wales.

26 September 2022
A doctor on a ward, consulting a patient.
Briefing

Addressing the planned care backlog

The Welsh NHS Confederation's latest briefing highlights examples of NHS efforts to address the planned care backlog and help patients to wait well.

6 July 2022
GP assessing a child with it's mother
Consultation response

Response to Welsh Government's plan for transforming planned care

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s consultation on the Welsh Government's plan for planned care.

13 June 2022
Man painting with chin
Report

Leisure and culture trusts health and wellbeing support to the NHS in Wales

Joint report urging health professionals and community leisure and culture trusts to connect and collaborate more to improve population health.

16 May 2022
A community nurse in a mask, consulting a patient.
Briefing

How the NHS in Wales is supporting people with long COVID

Briefing outlining some of the actions being taken by NHS organisations in Wales to support those affected by long COVID.

10 May 2022
A man checking financial graphs.
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to Post-EU funding plans

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the Finance Committee's consultation on the Post-EU funding arrangements.

28 April 2022
A woman on a bench, checking her phone.
Briefing

Reshaping the relationship between the public and the NHS

Briefing examining the importance of engaging and communicating with the public, showcasing case studies from each NHS organisation in Wales.

16 March 2022
Cardiff Docks
Briefing

Role of Welsh Local Authorities in delivering public services and economic development

As an anchor institution, the NHS in Wales can work with Local Authorities to drive economic development.

15 March 2022
A group counselling session.
Consultation response

Welsh NHS Confederation response to consultation on mental health inequalities

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the Health and Social Care Committee's consultation on mental health inequalities.

24 February 2022
The Senedd building in Cardiff
Consultation response

Response on the LCM for the Nationality and Borders Bill

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to present our views on LCM for the Nationality and Borders Bill.

28 January 2022
A nurse smiling at a tablet.
Briefing

Transforming NHS services to improve patient experience

Briefing showcasing case studies from each NHS organisation in Wales on how they are working to transform services to improve patient experience.

27 January 2022
blank speech bubbles forming a cloud
Consultation response

Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into the impact of the waiting times backlog

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to a query from Russell George MS, committee Chair, on the inquiry into the impact of the waiting times backlog.

13 January 2022
A male patient sitting up in a hospital bed.
Consultation response

Consultation on hospital discharge and its impact on patient flow through hospitals

The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the Health and Social Care Committee's consultation on hospital discharge and its impact on patient flow.

11 January 2022
A community nurse checking a patient's blood pressure.
Briefing

December 2021: Actions taken to mitigate pressures in the health and social care system

Briefing outlining examples of actions being taken to mitigate pressures in the health and social care system in Wales.

7 December 2021
The Senedd building in Cardiff
Consultation response

Welsh Government’s 2022-2023 Draft Budget scrutinised

The WNHSC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Finance Committee consultation into Welsh Government’s 2022-2023 Draft Budget proposals.

24 November 2021
Cardiff from above.
Briefing

How NHS Wales is responding to the climate emergency

Briefing showcasing case studies from some of the NHS organisations in Wales on how they are responding to the climate emergency.

22 November 2021
A community nurse in a mask, consulting a patient.
Briefing

Whole system response to meet increasing demand

Briefing showcasing case studies from each NHS organisation in Wales on how they are working to transform services to meet increasing demand.

17 November 2021
Masked healthcare workers point at a tablet computer.
Briefing

Transforming NHS Wales services to meet increasing demand

Briefing showcasing case studies from each NHS organisation in Wales on how they are working to transform services to meet increasing demand.

15 September 2021
The ceiling of the Welsh Assembly building.
Consultation response

Response to the Health and Social Care Committee consultation into the priorities for the Sixth Senedd

The WNHSC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Health and Social Care Committee consultation into its priorities for the Sixth Senedd.

13 September 2021
Consultation response

Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee consultation into its priorities for the Sixth Senedd

The WNHSC welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee consultation

25 August 2021
A row of ambulances outside an emergency care centre.
Briefing

NHS Wales system pressures

The Welsh NHS Confederation prepared a briefing for Members of the Senedd on current system pressures on the NHS in Wales.

4 August 2021
Emergency department outside sign
Briefing

Transformation of services across NHS Wales

This briefing highlights recent examples of innovative practice that have taken place across NHS Wales and new ways staff are caring for patients.

9 July 2021
Briefing

Information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales

A briefing for Members of the Senedd summarising key information around the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales.

16 April 2021
Consultation response

Response to scrutiny of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget proposals

The Welsh NHS Confederation's response to the Finance Committee’s scrutiny of the Welsh Government’s 2021/2022 Draft Budget proposals.

30 November 2020
Consultation response

Inquiry into Wellbeing of Future Generations Act

Welsh NHS Confederation response to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into barriers to implementing the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015

30 November 2020
Consultation response

Preparedness in Wales for the end of the transition period

The Welsh NHS Confederation response to the inquiry into Exiting the European Union: Preparedness in Wales for the end of the Transition Period

20 October 2020
A young person sharing at group counselling.
Briefing

Valuing, engaging and delivering: A health and care system for future generations

The Welsh NHS Confederation's calls for the 2021 Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru election (full version).

22 September 2020

View all publications from the Welsh NHS Confederation.