WIREDGOV

Heart Disease is a major killer in Wales, particularly affecting our poorer communities.

According to the latest figures available from the Welsh Health Survey, 20% of adults are being treated for high blood pressure and 9% for any heart condition, excluding high blood pressure.

Although death rates in Wales have been falling over the last 3 decades, they remain around 15% higher than in England.  

The Welsh Government wants to minimise the numbers of preventable heart disease and to ensure those affected by any kind of heart disease have timely access to high quality services, regardless of where they live and whether these services are delivered through hospitals or in the community.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“By 2016, the NHS must meet the Standards set out in the Cardiac Disease National Service Framework (NSF) and deliver the new commitments to the Welsh population contained in this Delivery Plan.

“Local Health Boards must take local ownership and put effective plans in place to help prevent avoidable heart disease and deliver well-coordinated services, where specialised care is well connected to local services, providing better patient experience and outcomes. It is essential the NHS focuses on meeting our population needs, reducing inequalities in health and variation in access to services across Wales

“My challenge to the NHS in Wales is to work with its full range of partners to plan, innovate and, most importantly, deliver really effective heart care.

“I strongly believe we can achieve high quality care and improved population outcomes.”

The document, which is one of a suite of Delivery Plans, is designed to guide Local Health Boards and Trusts in the organisation and prioritisation of services for people with heart disease. It reaffirms the importance of the NSF and requires the NHS to:

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