Breaking down barriers: Our action plan for the next Welsh government

Key recommendations

The RCP calls on all political parties in Wales to commit to our four-point action plan for the next Welsh government.

The next Welsh government should:

1. Develop, support and value the NHS workforce.
   The next Welsh government must support doctors to deliver the best care possible by investing in training, education and career development. Consultants, trainee doctors and medical students must be encouraged to stay in Wales through an improved work–life balance and clinical leadership opportunities. Promoting new roles such as physician associates (PAs) will deliver highquality multidisciplinary patient care and relieve NHS workforce pressures.
2. Break down the barriers to patient-centred care.
   The next Welsh government must support clinicians to develop innovative solutions to the NHS crisis, especially in rural and remote areas. The next Welsh government should invest in the long-term sustainability of the health and social care system. A renewed focus should be placed on developing integrated models of care and improving the experience of patients with complex needs.
3. Make time for patient-facing research and innovation.
   The next Welsh government must work with NHS Wales to support research activity in our hospitals and communities by protecting clinician time for research, showcasing project findings and involving patients. The NHS and patient care should be placed at the centre of Brexit negotiations.
4. Reduce health inequalities and help people to healthy lives.
   The next Welsh government must show national leadership on public health by focusing on the importance of supporting people to live healthier lives, reducing avoidable illness and helping to keep people out of hospital. This includes effective action to tackle obesity, air pollution, smoking and alcohol abuse.