Primary and community care is where most people first experience the healthcare system—through local GP practices, pharmacies, dentists, opticians and community health teams. These services are often the first point of contact for individuals and play a vital role in preventing illness, managing long-term conditions, and promoting wellbeing. However, despite their importance, they remain under pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages, and limited resources.
This piece of work sets out a vision for primary and community care in Wales by 2035. Embedding principles such as prevention, equity, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making, to build on what’s already working well and create a fairer, greener, and healthier Wales. This approach aligns with national priorities and strengthens the implementation of the Primary Care Model for Wales, ensuring services are more consistent, resilient, and responsive to changing needs.
Wales faces significant challenges—from an ageing population and health inequalities to climate change and financial pressures. Yet, primary and community care services are uniquely positioned to lead change at the local level. By focusing on prevention and addressing the root causes of ill health, this project is helping to shape a roadmap toward a more sustainable and people-centred system—one that aspires to support healthier lives and stronger communities for generations to come.
A Public Health Approach to Primary and Community Care by 2035 Summary Report for Phase One
Briefing Papers: A Public Health Approach to Primary and Community Care by 2035
A series of briefing papers has been developed to support the work of A Public Health Approach to Primary and Community Care by 2035. These papers provide high‑level summaries of the six core components of the programme: Continuity of Care, Care Delivered Closer to Home (Community By Design), Right Workforce and Skill Mix, Shift Upstream to Prevention, Connected Digital and Data Systems, and Enabling Financial Models.
Each briefing draws on triangulated evidence from published literature, stakeholder engagement, and public insight, and outlines the recommended actions and anticipated impact for each component.
These summaries reflect the key messages from the full technical report, which will be published later in the year. Links to the six briefing papers can be found below.
Connected Digital and Data Systems
Shift upstream in investment of resources to deliver prevention at scale