What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the availability and quality of healthcare services in rural areas, and what steps is the Welsh Government taking to address any identified gaps in provision?
The planning and assessment of health need and services for populations, including in rural areas, is the responsibility of the seven health boards.
There are excellent examples of how virtual models, including remote monitoring, are helping to improve access to NHS services for people in rural areas. In Hywel Dda University Health Board area, prehabilitation services to help people prepare for surgery have been delivered in people’s homes and received very positive responses, reducing the need to travel.
Welsh Government, in collaboration with Rual Health and Care Wales (Rural Health Research Projects | Rural Health and Care Wales) reviews and assessed the needs and requirements of rural populations to inform policy development and aid the delivery of local services.