NHS leaders in Wales welcome the focus on prevention in the Supplementary Budget
23 June 2026
The Welsh NHS Confederation responded to the statement by the Cabinet Minister for Finance on the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget for 2026 to 2027.
Finance
Governance
Leadership
NHS architecture
Improvement
Responding to the statement by the Cabinet Minister for Finance on the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget for 2026 to 2027, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, Darren Hughes said:
“At a time when most services and sectors are facing rising demand and costs, it’s positive to see a clear focus on funding for NHS waiting times in the Welsh Government’s 1st Supplementary Budget 2025-26.
“We welcome the extra funding for NHS Wales, particularly at a time of ongoing financial pressure across Welsh public services. The additional funding supports the NHS to respond to increasing demand on services, including waiting times and estate maintenance.
“The NHS only accounts for about 10-20% of a person’s health, so we strongly welcome the focus on prevention and primary and community care and the Welsh Government having a dedicated Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health. This will further support promoting health, reducing inequalities, and addressing wider determinants of health for long-term wellbeing and economic growth.
“While improvements won't happen overnight, we believe that by working together across sectors and having a whole-system approach to building resilient communities, we will support the health and wellbeing of people across Wales. This, in turn, will help reduce future demand on our healthcare services.
“We know that shifting the focus from treating illness to promoting health will take time, therefore NHS leaders in Wales encourage both the UK Government and Welsh Government to adopt longer-term funding strategies that address the wider determinants of health, including housing, education, and environmental conditions.
“We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to take the actions forward, as it will require a whole-system and sector response to bring down demand and improve the health and wellbeing of the population. “
- Read our briefing we provided to the Members of the Senedd ahead of the statement here.