Citizens' voice body Llais has published a spotlight on rural health and social care.
It said the report is based on what it has heard through engagement with people in rural areas of Wales, adding that the message for health and social services is that rural communities feel overlooked and change is too slow.
Despite national plans and commitments, people in rural areas say they are still facing barriers that make it harder to get care, Llais said. These challenges are not new, but they are becoming more urgent, it added, saying “this must not be accepted as ‘just how things are'”.
Llais said that people across rural Wales highlighting serious gaps in care including:
- Access to care
- Transport barriers
- Mental health support
- Workforce shortages
- Emergency care delays
Despite these challenges, people spoke about the resilience of their communities and the value of care once they can access it. They want services that are easier to reach, more consistent, and better aligned with rural realities, Llais said.
Alyson Thomas, CEO of Llais, said:
“The voices we’ve heard show that rural communities are resourceful, but they are being asked to do too much to fill gaps in formal services. People want care that reflects the realities of rural life, not one-size-fits-all models. Welsh Government and NHS Wales must act now to turn plans into practical solutions that work for rural communities.”
Read the full Llais spotlight on rural health and care here.
