We are pleased to present this Integrated Plan for Powys Teaching Health Board. This is a Five Year Plan for the period April 2024 to March 2029. It sets out the work of the health board in the short, medium and longer term, to create ‘A Healthy, Caring Powys’, the shared long term health and care strategy for the County.
It covers the health board’s whole range of responsibilities for healthcare for the people of Powys, both as a provider and a commissioner of services. It is therefore a broad, complex umbrella plan that seeks to encompass all the requirements and duties placed on the health board.
The plan responds to one of the most challenging periods in the recent history of the NHS in Powys. Post pandemic waiting times for diagnosis and treatment are too long, and inflationary pressures have contributed to a deficit financial position. This year, as in the previous year, it has not been possible to produce a fully compliant plan in relation to the financial breakeven duty across a three year period. The financial position resulted in the health board’s escalation and intervention status increasing to enhanced monitoring for planning and finance in 2023.
The plan therefore sets out the very best offer to maximise the use of our resources and strive to deliver safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and person centred care that meets the needs of the population of Powys. It also sets out how we will work with communities, staff and stakeholders to build a sustainable future for the County’s health services.
This is also a plan that acknowledges that the current healthcare system is under significant stress and substantial change is required.
Some of this can be driven through transformation work led by the health board, working with local, regional and national partners. The plan clarifies exactly what the challenges are and what the health board can do, on its own and in collaboration with others, to build a more sustainable approach for Powys.
It is clear from the analysis set out in this plan that we will need to review and change our model of care in order to best meet the future needs of the people we serve, and within the resources available to us. This is based on a thorough appraisal carried out over a six month period, informed by extensive engagement with staff, the communities in Powys and our stakeholders.
The Board has met frequently and regularly in briefings and formal meetings, including eight development sessions, engaging in the development of strategic priorities and comprehensively scrutinising the plan and process. This has provided assurance that the plan is realistic, and represents the best offer in the current and foreseeable circumstances.
On this basis, the Board supports the submission to Welsh Government to meet the deadline of the end of March 2024, acknowledging that given the financial position, it cannot be submitted as a full ‘IMTP’ (Integrated Medium Term Plan) and there will be a particular focus on the delivery of the first year of the plan.
Hayley Thomas, Chief Executive
Dr Carl Cooper, Chair
The summary version and full version is available in English and Welsh and other formats can be provided on request.
For further information please contact the PTHB Planning Team via email at: planning.powys@wales.nhs.uk
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