Shared action across the NHS, local authorities, communities and national partners is needed to improve health across Mid and West Wales, according to the latest annual report by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Public Health.

The report, Building a healthy rural future in Mid and West Wales, sets out the actions required from partners to reduce health inequalities so that everyone can live well and age in good health.

The report outlines the challenges presented by an ageing population and increasing long-term conditions, and a population dispersed across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

It also reflects how health and wellbeing is largely shaped by a range of factors that lie outside the NHS, including access to services, transport, digital connectivity, housing, employment, food, social connection and the natural environment.

While the Health Board is the lead partner for many of the priorities, the report highlights that good health is created far beyond the scope of the NHS and calls for renewed collective action to design services around people, strengthen community resilience and make prevention everyone's business.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda said: “This report celebrates the many benefits of living, working and growing older in Mid and West Wales from our communities, culture and Welsh language to the spirit of volunteering and mutual support that helps people thrive."

"It also highlights some of the challenges we must address together.

“In a rural area, access matters.

“Distance, transport, digital connectivity and the availability of local support can have a significant impact on people's health and wellbeing.

“The encouraging news is that we already have many of the foundations in place, with public services and communities working together.

“We must make prevention everyone’s business and ensure that health is considered in every decision we make.”