Placing the patient at the centre of care
Background
The NHS in Wales continues to face extreme pressures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health and care staff are rising to the challenges across the system, working to ensure patients receive high standards of care. During this time, NHS staff have made every effort to place patients at the centre of everything the service does and aims to do. This briefing highlights examples of this.
To deliver on transformative projects, the service is often supported by the communities it serves. In Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, community fundraising efforts have supported the creation of a breast cancer centre which provides a peaceful environment in which patients can receive the care they need.
Other initiatives, such as the Stroke Improvement programme in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, are ensuring that patients are supported at home where possible through the introduction of an Early Supported Discharge service. Such support can lead to increased independence for patients.
Other organisations are seeking to give patients more control over their health and wellbeing, with Cwm Tag Morgannwg University Health Board introducing innovations in outpatients such as patient-initiated follow-up. Hywel Dda University Health Board is also piloting a health coach programme to support lifestyle changes, with a focus on support for those seeking help with alcohol, smoking, vaping, healthy eating and physical activity.
The service is also working to ensure access to all, with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board supporting an optometry service for the homeless. Through initiatives such as this and others, the NHS is continuing to strive to offer the best service and care to all communities across Wales. This briefing highlights examples from NHS organisations across Wales which have supported patients to take charge of their health and care, while providing patient-focused services.
