Health Foundation to carry out independent review of NHS performance in Wales
The Welsh Government has commissioned the Health Foundation to undertake an independent review of the performance of the NHS in Wales.
The review will provide an objective assessment of overall health system performance, the factors influencing it, and priorities for improvement. It will also examine the potential impact of waiting times on health outcomes and inequalities.
The review will be rapid – running from October 2026 to April 2027 – and will bring together analysis of health system policy and performance with insights from patients, the public and stakeholders. The findings will support future policy development and help identify opportunities to improve services for people across Wales.
The review has been commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
What the review will cover
The review will draw on a range of evidence and analysis, including:
- Analysis of routinely collected data to assess health system performance over time, including access to care, quality and outcomes
- In-depth analysis of the impact of long waiting times using person-level data
- Policy analysis and engagement with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing performance
- Public perceptions research to explore people's experiences and priorities for the future of health care in Wales
The Health Foundation will work in partnership with Public Health Wales on one aspect of the analysis relating to impact of long waiting times. We will also work with Ipsos UK to deliver public perceptions research as part of our existing polling programme.
The Foundation will launch a call for evidence to inform the review later this year.
Independent evidence to inform future policy
The review builds on the Health Foundation's long-standing reputation for independent analysis of health policy and health system performance across the UK.
Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy and Research at the Health Foundation, said:
‘This review is an important opportunity to provide an independent assessment of how the NHS in Wales is performing and – most importantly – to use that evidence to inform policy and change. We will bring together a mix of data, including what the public think, to assess the main challenges facing the health service and identify priorities for the future.’
Daniel Law, Director of Analysis at the Health Foundation, said:
‘Wales faces many of the same pressures affecting health services across the UK, including long waiting times and growing demand for care. This review will rigorously examine the data on how performance has changed in Wales over the last decade and the evidence what could be driving those changes, as well as looking at how people have been affected by long waits for care.’
Publication of findings
The Health Foundation will deliver its final report to the Welsh Government in Spring 2027. The report, including findings and recommendations, will be published by the Health Foundation.