Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services
In April 2022 I launched the ‘Transforming and modernising planned care and reducing NHS waiting lists’ plan for the NHS in Wales. This plan outlines recovery and transformation objectives for planned care in Wales to reduce waiting times and move towards sustainable diagnostic services by 2026.
I am today announcing publication of the new ‘Diagnostics Recovery and Transformation Strategy’ which was a key objective of the plan launched last year.
Around 85% of all patient pathways involve diagnostic testing. A vast array of diagnostic tests exist that are important for the detection and diagnosis of disease, and for monitoring the treatment of patients.
These include blood sample analysis, medical imaging, and investigations that test the normal functioning of organs and body systems. Examples of diseases and disorders that are reliant upon these tests include cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and musculoskeletal conditions.
Exploration of the historical, current and likely future needs for diagnostic services has identified areas that will require specific focus in order to ensure that our services are sustainable and drive down inequality across Wales. These areas are described within the strategy and include increasing access to diagnostics through the development of regional diagnostic hubs, exploring regional and national solutions for service delivery to improve safety, throughput and efficiency, and support for the diagnostic workforce.
I will be providing an Oral Statement to the Senedd in the afternoon of Tuesday 25th April where I will offer Members further information and detail.