How data is shaping a healthier Wales

Wales’s health and care system is grappling with complex, interconnected issues and opportunities, including an ageing population, inequalities, and the rise of new healthcare technologies. Tackling these now and in the future will require evidence-based policies and strategies that connect health outcomes with broader social factors such as housing, education, and income. A recent Welsh Government report, "Science Evidence Advice: NHS in 10+ Years" (aka. the SEA Report), highlights these intersections and guides the nation’s vision under the A Healthier Wales strategy. In this fourth episode, we explore how administrative data is uniquely positioned to help. We’re joined by Tracey Breheny, Director for Strategy and Corporate Business, Health, Social Care & Early Years Group at the Welsh Government, who unpacks the insights these linked datasets provide, the current situation facing healthcare, and the potential of data-driven policymaking. Dot Williams, Project Officer at the Butterfly Conservation and member of the SAIL Databank Consumer Panel, offers a personal perspective on navigating Wales’s health services and shares her vision for positive change.From improving workforce conditions to addressing health inequalities, this episode reveals how data is shaping a healthier, more equitable Wales. Wondering what administrative data is? Visit https://www.adruk.org/our-mission/administrative-data/.If we used any terms you're not familiar with, check out ADR UK's glossary at https://www.adruk.org/learning-hub/glossary/.For information on the Welsh Government report and strategy go to https://www.gov.wales/report-projections-health-evidence-and-policy-recommendations and https://www.gov.wales/healthier-wales-long-term-plan-health-and-social-care. For information on ADR Wales work in the areas of health, wellbeing, and social care, visit https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-health-and-well-being-1/, https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-social-care/ and https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-major-societal-challenges/.Connecting Society is presented by Shayda Kashef and Mark Green, our producers are Eleanor Collard, Holly Greenland, Laura Mulvey and Shayda Kashef. This podcast is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK), a partnership transforming public sector data into research insights and policy evidence to improve lives. We are an investment by the Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.